Our 7 yr old son will not sleep in his own bed or room!

[Sandy00]

We have just moved into a lovely new house and this has obviously unsettled our 7 yr old son.  He is a very sensitive child and has had trouble sleeping on his own off and on for a few years.
We managed to establish a good pattern for him at our old place and he slept in his own bed all night which was great. Now we are going through the same drama again that he is scared being on his own and wakes up after falling asleep for a couple of hours, comes into our room and no matter what we try he will not go back to his room to sleep.  All he wants is to be by my side. We have spent the last week reassuring him and having long conversations about him being safe, we are here for him etc but to no avail.  We are now spending hours in the middle of the night trying to calm him down as he is having severe panic attacks about having to go back to sleep on his verging on vomiting.... Don't know what else to do - we are constantly tired, having to go to work all fuzzy headed day after day....help!


This discussion is related to My daughter won't sleep in her bedroom....

[Sandy00]

Thanks for your comments.  I have actually tried the bribing, lights, teddy, treats etc..... he just goes into panic mode and will not take no for an answer... very tiring. thanks

[mammo]

Maybe make a bed for him on the floor in your room for a week or two until het gets comfortable in the new house.  Then try leaving a light on, or maybe his TV or radio in his room.  Better you all get a good nights sleep while he adjusts.  Then maybe try having him sleep in his own room on weekends when you can sleep in a little the next day.  Try bribing him, tell him you will take him somewhere special or buy him something he has been wanting when he stays in his bed all night. If he has any stuffed animals, have him sleep with one, even at this age they can be comforting. With a new house comes new sounds, so any white noise, or lights will help.  If this doesn't work you may want to look into getting him some help with this, it sounds like it's extremely upsetting for him. Good luck and take care.