Sleeping - 10 Year Old

Doe he play electronics?
The back lighting, of electronics, actually causes stimulation and interferes with sleep.
I actually read that, in a magazine.

Or, does he drink soda or things with caffeine? That same article said,t hat kids this age drink soft drinks and it has caffeine in it of course, and it simply is not handle well, by children and Teens.
It, interferes with sleep and causes other problems.

What he can also try... is 'deep breathing' techniques. Look it up online. But things like deep-breathing and Yoga/meditation... shows actual clinical improvements in a person's brain movements. It... does relax a person. And helps with anxiety as well.

Or... go to a Naturopath Doctor. And per your son's issues, there will be natural alternatives and solutions.

Was it right after he got an immunization shot? If so, that may have affected him. Good luck.

Try meditation. He can play a tape that will walk him through muscle relaxation.

Or give him a massage.

Reading in bed before I turn out the lights has always helped me. A few minutes into my book and I am ready to turn out the lights and go to bed! Maybe if he can't sleep, reading his social studies book or something might either help him learn or help him sleep. :)

Lavender-scented lotion or potpourri in his room?

I have also read that tv right before bed is not good, something to do with the light. So dim the lights before bed for him, so his body and eyes can relax.

Have you looked into his diet? No sugar, pop, caffeine, etc, for a while before bed. Otherwise I would try a sleep clinic like someone else suggested.

If you really believe you have given all the professional plus mommy tips the good ol' college try, then I would ask your pediatrician or counselor for a referral to a sleep specialist.

Not be able to fall asleep is serious. As you have witnessed by the adverse affects on his academics.

Quite frankly, I'm surprised that all your Pediatrician gave you was Melatonin. You can by that anywhere. And from my personal experience, it's ineffective and useless.

I have personally had a lot of success with Valerian, another natural sleep aid. It won't hurt to try it. Different bodies respond differently to these products.

Have you tried Chamomile tea in the evening?

Anyhow, a sleep clinic will help diagnose which phase of sleep is being disturbed and hopefully get you on the right track.

If that does not lead anywhere, a referral to a Pediatric Neurologist might even be in order to rule out brain tumors that would cause sleep disorders.

Good Luck!