Our oldest has been having trouble sleeping for the past few months. It started as an occassional problem, but she's now had trouble 5 nights straight. Her bedtime hasn't changed (between 9:30-10) and she falls asleep easily. She wakes around 2AM and is usually up for two or so hours, before falling back asleep heavily. She is tired in the morning, but I've tried to keep her on schedule by having her rise at 8:00 so we can start school at 8:30.

She says nothing is waking her (noises, dreams, worries, etc.) and that she feels fine and is not uncomfortable at all. She has no idea what is waking her and keeping her from falling back asleep.

The last several days she's wanted to nap in the afternoon when she's finished with schoolwork, but I've asked her not to and suggested some excercise instead to refresh her.

Any ideas? Anyone else have a child who has struggled with this?

Funny you should mention this now, Beth. :mrgreen: My third kidlet (13 years old), just yesterday told me this very thing has been happening to her. Not every day, but often enough that it's frustrating for her. :???: She's not seemed tired during the day, but she says she hates lying there awake for a good hour in the middle of the night.

My only and best guess is that it's hormonal changes. I have a harder time sleeping through the night just before AF comes. Maybe it's the same thing? Courtney is going through puberty right now. I'm expecting AF to show up for her in the next four months or so. Could be sooner.

I told her to remind me to give her a melatonin before she goes to sleep at night. It's perfectly safe for them to take. She forgot to ask for one last night, and she hasn't complained of not sleeping. I think with her, it's more off and on.

I hope you find some answers, Beth. It's worrisome when our kidlets aren't getting the rest they need. [hug]

[loveflag]

Joy [welcomewave]

Thanks for your input, Joy. I had hoped you'd chime in. AF and puberty are here, but not in a regular way- hadn't thought to attribute that to her sleep issues. I was thinking of trying some melatonin too, that's a good suggestion. Thanks again!

Your welcome, Beth. I hope the Melatonin helps. Let me know!

I think sleep issues are even more likely when hormones are all over the place (instead of being regular). Their body chemistries are going through so many changes.

Blessings, Beth! [hug]

[lovingsmiley]

Joy [welcomewave]