11-year old son afraid at night

[frazzledbrain]

My 11-year old son is increasingly terrified at night.  He cannot go to sleep.  I leave him in his room and he comes down 10 minutes later saying he is scared.  He is no longer scared of monsters, like when he was little.  Now he is scared of burglars, murderers.  He sleeps on the 2nd level, his 6 year old brother also has a bedroom up there.  Our bedroom is on the 1st level.  Sleeping with his brother doesn't make him feel any better - he says the intruder would still find him there.  I tell him we live in a safe neighborhood and that we have an alarm system.  No amount of talking gives him much peace.  He says he tries not to think about it, but he can't help it, and sometimes he almost hyperventilates.  He worries more when his father is away on business, says he feels less safe.  He wants to sleep with me.  Should I let him?  Should I take him to a therapist - what kind?  

[musicmama]

We have a child who gets like this.  He has a terrible time falling asleep.  Melatonin (3mg) or a calming tea might help.  A good child psychologist can do wonders.  Most importantly, I will pray that the peace of God rest in his heart.