11 Year Old Afraid to Sleep Alone

[KAM006]

My eleven year old son is afraid to sleep by himself. Up until last month he slept with us, his parents. Since school has started, we have him sleeping with his eight year old sister who is constantly complaining and not wanting him to sleep with her. He seems to have some fear about sleeping alone. We have tried nightlights, sleeping with the dog, etc. but nothing seems to work.

Also, he is always tired, he has indicated to us. We get him to bed by 9:00 p.m., with him falling asleep by 9:30 p.m. but he has to wake up by 6:30 p.m. We cannot seem to get him to bed any earlier.

However, our greatest problem is that he is extremely fearful of sleeping alone. What are your suggestions.

Also, do they make a children's sleep pill? He is restless throughout much of his sleep.

Thank you.

[blackrose]

Have you considered taking him to a chilld psycchologist.This really helps with talking to some one about things if they are embarrasses to tell you.                                                                                           good luck with your son

[SWEETDARKSTORM]

you know- they dont make a "child" sleeping pill, however- at gnc there is a product called melatonin- that is suppose to aid in sleeping and is safe for children. children need thier sleep, speaking of which- sleepytime tea might also work.  they sell it at the grocery store- tea isle.  i have used that for my 6 year old with adhd...it works.

[cheeps]

Does your son snore? Is he always tired?

[fiffa]

Hi All.. I am at my wits end. We have a 6 year old boy who won't sleep by himself. We have tried everything from lying with him until he falls to sleep but after we leave he wakes up, we have tried bribing him with everything, we have tried talking to him about why he needs to sleep by himself, I have stayed on the floor next to his bed etc...  What to do? We also have a younger daughter who has been treated exactly the same way and she is a great sleeper. I love both my children with all of my heart and would do anything for them. I just need to sleep.

[starlight000]

ive tried nightlights, sleeping with dog, etc. for the past 3 months she just cant. when we try she seems to be waking up crying and say that she cant do it.



what do i do?

[kp9er]

my girlfriend has a 12yr old that will not sleep by himself she says she has tried and tried to get him to his own room but he will just fight and argue with her untill she gives in i have threatened to tell his buddies about this and he throws a fit so he knows its not right all i can say is good luck

[yats]

My 11 year old child dont even sleep alone i dont know wats wrong with him and he is gonna be 12 now butn there is nothing to do so i say jus sleep by them

[mary194506]

Am I the only Grandmother that thinks her  8yrs. old grandson should not be sleeping with his Mother?  It seems as if she uses him as her emotional pillow. By that, I mean, that every time he returns from visiting his father, she has him sleep with her. Also if she had discplined him for what ever reason, she rewards him by letting him sleep with her. I find this very unhealthy for the child. Am I wrong?

[rosebudzplace]

We too have an 11 year old not wanting to sleep alone.  She cannot go on sleep overs either as she cannot sleep away from her parents.  We have tried several things including; lying down beside her until she falls asleep ( which worked, but not real desirable), reading to her and saying a prayer ( worked but she would wake up shortly after we left the room and then it started all over again) and things like warm milk before bed, allowing her to watch a TV program (also not disable), and allowing her to sleep with one of the other children (which worked, but they want to have their bedrooms back to themselves).  My latest effort is a suggestion to her to get into a comfortable position, close her eyes, and imagine herself in her "Littlest Pet Shop" play set as a "pet shop" character and to imagine a story and play it out (like writing a story).  I'm not sure yet whether this will work or not.  I'll let you know.  TC

[1234sarah]

My son Ryan is 10 and won't fall asleep on his own either, he says he hears voices and is afraid to. I'm getting all the help I can get but I have a feeling diagnosis will be hard to come by.

[whirlygirl820]

My son had this problem also - but my husband finally put his foot down and just said NO MORE!!!!!!  He told him in a very authoritive way and neither one of us has backed down - even though he complained and begged - and now he sleeps in his own room every night!   I felt awful and wanted to give in so many times - because I really liked watching TV with him at night and it was so much easier and nicer for him.. but  I realized that it is not good for him and he needs his own independence and needs to not be afraid.   He also doesn't go to sleep overs - even though all his friends ask him to - I am hoping maybe he will be able to now.   So - be STRONG - and do it for their own good!!!!!!!!!  

[Ronnie121]

Separation anxiety is common among children especially at bed time. Try a Mumoocie co sleeping pillow. It simulates a loved one beside your child. You lay with your child until he/she falls gently asleep then replace yourself with the body pillow that is torso shaped and snugs to the body. Since it retains heat and scent your child will sleep better and think you are right there with him.This pillow worked for us