Can a four year old have insomnia?

Question

I have tried EVERYTHING. We have tried the bed time rituals, the reading, every thing that every article or help desk has said to try, I have tried. I don't give up easily... what's the deal? he will stay up until four in the morning. Some people have told me that spanking is the answer, however, I can't see how bringing violence and inevitably fear into bedtime will make it go any more smoothly... is it possible for a four year old to have insomnia? or unlikely? and if so, is there an "Ambien" for kids that small? I'm at my wits end! If he doesn't sleep, neither do I... what should I do?

Answer 1

- Don't excite the kids before bed time, keep it boring.  Kids sleep when they're bored and they can stay awake forever when they're having fun.

- Don't give him food containing MSG (such as cheese, ham, canned soup, etc.), caffeine, or a lot of sugar/coco.  

- Don't let him nap in the late afternoon/evening.

If you got all that and he still doesn't go to sleep, you can give him sleepy food for dinner seen here:  http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042400...  Those work really well, but it may depend on the person which food works better.  Just make sure he brushes his teeth before he passes out.

Answer 2

have you tried to eliminate his naps? my daughter was the same way when  she was about his age, a ten minute nap would be good for an all night er, we took away all caffeine products, sugars and even juice after 3 pm and NEVER let her take a nap even if it meant she was cranky the rest of the day.

my sister used to rub my nieces backs,chests and cheek bones with Vick's vapor rub and the fumes from the Vick's would make them fall asleep but i was too afraid to try that. but it worked for her.

Answer 3

I feel your pain.  Med school is nothing compared to motherhood!  Pick up a copy of Dr. Ferber's book on sleep -- he has behavioral modification techniques to help (and no, spanking is not the answer).  His circadian rhythm seems to be off (I'm assuming he is not surviving on 2-3 hours a sleep in a given 24 hour period?).  Other treatments are curtailing sweets (and snacks) an hour or two before bedtime, avoiding stimulation (Dad coming home before bedtime, TV watching, etc) and teaching him methods of self-calming.  Even if he isn't sleeping, perhaps he can engage in calm activities so that you can sleep.  There is no easy fix....behavioral modification can take time and cannot involve an emotional component on your part (even though you're frustrated and sleep deprived).  I've been there, I survived and both of my kids sleep through the night (granted, they're 15 and 10)...but my son was the same way.  Good luck!