Sleeping Problem and Nervous Habits

I agree about getting him off the Melatonin. I've not heard it recommended for children. If he is still having issues once he's off it (I think it's 2 weeks to completely clear the system) then I would see the doctor or a counselor.

Did a doctor recommend melatonin? Melatonin may help your child fall asleep, but it doesn't mean your child is getting a well-rested sleep. Melatonin is a hormone. This is my personal opinion: By giving him a hormone, his body is probably producing less of it to compensate for the extra. So now your son is probably producing less melatonin on his own which is only going to increase his sleep problems and anxiety. There is not a hormone produced and packaged in a pill that is better than the ones that our own body can make. Get him off the melatonin and give it a few more months for his body to readjust. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/448467

Hey Mama,

I love Melatonin, but it can cause vivid and scary dreams in some people. I wonder if your son is having a bad reaction to the melatonin. You may want to wean him off the melatonin and try not using it for a while.

I also recommend the book Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child, it's great and I think will help.

R. Magby

I would deff. talk to a dr, I dont have enough info to really help you but my little bit of advise is that it is normal to wake up a few times in the night, we all do that, he wants to sleep near you so that is why it helps him calm down. you need to figure out how to help him fall asleep w/o you, and I am no expert on that. I would not say just from this that he has any real 'issues' just needs to learn to self soothe. good luck, sleep is so tough!

Please seek professional advice and get your kid off the Melatonin. It is quite possible that it is contributing to the issue. Another mom recommended "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Weissbluth. It is a great book, but I do also think you should speak to a professional. Start with your pediatrician and you may also want to get a reference for a pediatric therapist or expert.
In terms of the finger picking...my daughter always has her fingers in her mouth it seems (or her nose too!) ;) But turns out this is COMPLETELY NORMAL. Please also pick up the book "Your Three Year-Old" by Louise Bates Ames PhD (Gesell Institute of Human Development). These are simple, short books that describe what you should expect from a three year old (or 4, or 5, etc - she has a whole series). I was surprised that the books described nearly perfectly her habits and behavior. I also liked the advice the book offers. You can find them used at Powells and Amazon.

To me, it sounds like your son has some anxiety, with his picking at his fingers. I know, because this is one of my anxiety traits, and one I struggle with. As for waking and needing you beside him...that's a toughie. Our son still does this too. We have worked at making sure he falls asleep alone, but this doesn't seem to have the magical effect we'd hoped for.

If it were me, I'd talk to a naturopath. I've personally had good luck with them regarding some of my sleep issues.( I think it would be irresponsible of me to share the names of the tinctures, etc. because I don't have a background in homeopathy or what's appropriate for children.)You could also try a warm chamomile tea before bed too. Make sure he gets enough physical exercise each day. And no tv/computer for at least one hour plus before bedtime-- these monitors/tv screens emit what's called a 'blue light' which actually stimulates the brain to stay awake.

If you have a bedtime routine, keep on it. Make sure it's simple and consistent. Because you haven't really given us any more info, this is all I can advise. But from what you describe, with picking his fingers, it does sound perhaps it could be anxiety-related.

I agree, I would talk to your Doctor about the Melatonin. My understanding of Melatonin is that is good for short term use only, often to re-set your internal clock due to time change or jet lag. I used to use it all the time, but found that it actually disrupted my natural sleep patterns when used long term. My son also chews on his fingers and was biting his nails, but has since grown out of it. Maybe talk to him about his fears and anxieties...if he is able to express himself well enough verbally. Good luck!!

I don't really know what melatonin is, but I will say that my daughter has the opposite reaction to benedril and dramamine (as do I). It wires us up instead of calming us done.

Check with your doctor, he might be having a similar reaction.