What can you do to help an ADHD child fall asleep?

Question

My 6 year old son is ADHD, I tried it all((Diet, Behavior Modification **works best with a combo of meds & therapy**, Enviornment, cleaning with "GREEN" cleaners, etc...)) before placing him on a low mg of medication, only problem is he has much trouble falling asleep at night. He is in 1st grade and he needs his sleep. Night after night of 8 hours is not going to cut it for long. He has done much better in school since the meds are doing their job but I've spoken to many people and to me, it makes sense that the ADHD is under control but sleep deprivation will cause a whole new set of issues, that this medication will have no control over?!?!?!

He is being sent in for a sleep study, I suppose, to find out if it is related to his medication or if he just "fights sleep". I was also told to give him Benadryl, though I am not comfortable giving that to him when 1.) it is for allergies, it is not an actual "sleep aide".

Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated:)

Thank You,

Ruthie

Answer 1

Melatonin is usually the best and most natural way to help a child with ADHD sleep. It is a naturally occurring substance and helps the child go off to sleep and maintain sleep. You can buy it over the counter in the US but in the UK you need to see your GP or paediatrician to get it on prescription. Good luck.

Answer 2

well coming from someone who has had adhd my entire life, one issue could be that the dosage is too high, does he take it once, twice or three times a day? the last dosage shouldnt be taken 4-5 before bed. Also, my mom cut the last dosage in half, with a pill cutter, or eliminated the last dosage altogether. if he is home and you are able to handle him without the meds after school, I would cut out the last dose. i was on ritalin 10 mg 3 times a day and the last dosage was what kept me awake. dont listen to the do-gooders that tell ou that your child dosent need meds, if you see the difference and its an improvement, just alter the dosage...

Answer 3

my mom used to give me bynadryl i have adhd

but i got addicted to it

  now im on trazadone its a sleeping pill

i also used to drink sleepy time to calm me mind down