Trouble Falling Asleep - Puberty or something more?

My son will be 13 in April. In the last month he has had a hard time falling asleep at night. He will lay in his bed and toss and turn, but when he sees the lights in the rest of the house go out, he totally panics. I am a stay at home mom and spend alot of time talking with him. I haven't seen any signs of stress. However, I do remember having this problem when I was a child. Is this typical for children going through puberty, and if so, is there anything that I can do to help?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Macy,

While it's not out of the question, I doubt this has much to do with puberty, particularly because of the anxiety that is accompanying the onset insomnia. Such symptoms, particularly of relatively recent onset, can definitely be related to some form of psychosocial stressor(s), and they can also be symptoms of anxiety or mood disorders. Are there any additional symptoms? Apart from these symptoms, is he developing normally and functioning well at home, in school and with peers? Is he in generally good physical health? Have there been any significant changes in the home or school environment? These are all things to consider in trying to understand the situation.

[Debbi]

I have been there.  It is no fun.  My son went threw that when he was nine.  He would totally panic.  He was afraid he would never fall asleep again or that he would be late for school.  I was very patient with it and then I thought that was getting me nowere but helping him to panic more I then became strict telling him if he didnt go strait to sleep he would be punished.  That didnt help either,  he was truly in a state of panic that I couldnt figure out.  I then brought him to see a psycologist and let here work on him one on one.  I knew nothing bad had happened he is not allowed to sleep out yet and nobody has ever hurt him psycially or mentally.  She found out that there was alot of things on his mind that he brushed off and I didnt know they were bothering him.  we had gave our family dog away and also his godmother moved within a month apart.  It was something we thought he handled with out a problem but it was on his mind. My son and I have a very close realationship and I felt somehow his panics were my fault. I guess we as women tend to blame ourselfs but I am sure you are doing a great job with him.  Have him see a doctor it could be something simple like my son.  sorry its so long,