Should I call the GP?

My son is a terrible sleeper. He doesn't have any health problems. We thought it might be a bad phase but it's been at least a month now. Doesn't matter what time he goes to bed, he wakes up 7 hours later. He can't get back to sleep. I think he needs melatonin or something. Should I just speak to a pharmacist or call the GP?

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Does he still have a nap during the day?

@Catherine nope

That’s tough. I’m sure it’s worth speaking to your GP. Could it be hunger? I try to give mine a snack nearer to bed, especially if had an early dinner. Otherwise stumped. Will he go back to bed if he gets into bed with you ?

The GP won’t prescribe melatonin. You’d need a diagnosis of something before they’d even consider it.

@Catherine he's not hungry. He eats a lot before bed. He doesn't go back to sleep when we co sleep unfortunately. Nothing will make him sleep once he's awake in the middle of the night. His dad and I are struggling with life because of this. We aren't productive until lunch time. We're like zombies.

@Emily that's what I want. I want them to investigate why this is happening. I contacted the HV's about 6 months ago. They just gave us basic advice like don't let him watch TV before bed or have a routine etc. We're already doing these things. We always have. He knows when he's going to bed and he has a routine. His dad has ADHD and sleep problems. I just need more support because we are at a breaking point. Sleep training does not work on this boy, we tried many many times since he was a little baby. We don't know what to do anymore.

I completely understand. My little boy has sleep issues too. We’ve had bloods, X-rays, supplements etc and nothing has worked, but there doesn’t seem to be any support beyond that. If you think there’s an underlying issue like ADHD then it’s definitely worth pursuing as there may be more options.

@Emily I feel your pain! It's so hard.

Magnesium has always been a big one for us. We’ve definitely noticed the difference - https://hiyahealth.com/blogs/restful-nights/natural-supplements-and-vitamins-that-support-childrens-sleep

@Hannah I use this but I didn't know that you could use it for kids. Amazing! Thank you.

Seconding Magnesium! We use Epsom salts in the bath but friends use gummies. My daughter needs magnesium AND melatonin to sleep like a typical child, she’s autistic and suspected ADHD. The road to getting a melatonin prescription is probably looooong unfortunately

He was awake between 12 am and 4.30 am. His circadian rhythm is messed up. It's killing me😭

https://mightykidssupplements.co.uk/product/magnesium/ https://www.sweetbeeorganics.co.uk/collections/all-products/products/sweet-sleep-magnesium-butter

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