My 7 yr old son wont go to sleep help !!!?

Question

he used to have a great routine until he developed night terrors. he hasnt had them now for over 6 mths but when i put him to bed he will not go to sleep. he is not upset or causing a scene.i have tried a few different things but nothing is working. i have a chronic illness and going up and down the stairs 15 times a night cos he keeps getting out of bed is exhausting me even more.. any suggestions pleeaassee !!!

Answer 1

have you tryed a reward chart for firstly staying in bed secondly going to sleep, this worked for mine for a while, i would buy a small toy (a car or pack of cards, bubbles just like a pound toy) i stuck a reward chart and the toy to a down stairs door and in the morning we would sticker the reward chart the at the end of the week if he had atleast (we cant expect them to be perfect all the time) so many stickers on the chart he would then get the prize on the door!

when the novelty of that wore of we tryed in the morning giving him 10p for staying in bed and another 10p for going to sleep, this 1 worked a treat and he was happier with this for longer!  

GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

spank his butt

Answer 3

Rather than have him go to sleep on his own, maybe you should try staying in his room until he nods off.  Read a relaxing book together in his bed, then say prayers or sing songs or whatever your nighttime routine is.  I usually sing soft songs until my kids fall asleep.  You might find he falls asleep faster that way.  It's a pain to have to stay there, but it sure beats going up and down stairs 15 times.  I've also found that when my kids are too wound up, that getting some cream and massaging their feet really helps them relax.  Don't do it if it tickles, but if it feels good to them, then try it.  Also rubbing his back could be relaxing too.  I only do this if they really just can't fall asleep.  Don't want them to get to used to the spa treatment, but when I have to resort to it, it's a very effective way to get my kids relaxed enough to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Answer 4

Get a dream catcher and tell him it will make the terrors go away. Most of the lime he will think it will work and it does.

Answer 5

Simon and Liza had good answers.  That would be my advice too.  Spanking will do nothing except make your problems worse.

Answer 6

how about letting him sleep in your bed perhaps in the middle of you and your husband or something?

perhaps it might put his mind at rest, and calm him down

this is advice from a 18 year old lad!! haha not very good at this but worth a try?

Answer 7

Your son is scared to go to sleep because he's afraid he'll have a night terror. Take him to see his pediatrician and he can prescribe something to help him sleep temporarily, but he should probably get some counciling as well to help him overcome his fears.