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My daughter is too scared to fall asleep

by Luci
(Australia)

My daughter is 10 years old and in the last 6 months she has become too scared to fall asleep and says that she is scared but can't tell me what she is scared of. She refuses to sleep in her own bedroom and even a night light hasn't helped. I've tried discipline and rewards but neither has worked.

I have 2 younger children and don't have the time or energy to sit with her until she falls asleep. She ends up sleeping next to my bed every night. I don't think she's getting a restful night's sleep.

I'm wondering if I should try any homeopathic remedies. Any suggestions?

Comments for
My daughter is too scared to fall asleep

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May 28, 2011
 10 yo girl w/ sleep issues
by: Nancy

My dtr is 10 and we have our bedtime ritual in her room each nite. But after and hour or so she is up and "cant sleep in her own room" So she goes to the guest bedroom puts the tv on and falls asleep. Ive tried deep breathing/meditation and melatonin. I so desparately want to relieve her anxiety but I just dont know what to do...and Im hesitant to medicate her. We are a happily married family we have two other children (boys) and they sleep well. She ackowledges its a problem and wants a solution - and we do too ! Not sure what my next step is. Any suggestions are appreciated. I just want her to sleep well, calm and not look at bedtime as a stress inducing time. feel free to email me @ nmancinibedell@aol.com
Aug 26, 2011
 Anxiety/Trauma?
by: Anonymous

I work with a lot of different families and children as a therapist - my area of specialty being trauma. Such a sudden avoidance of sleep can be indicative of a number of different manifestations of anxiety. If a doctor is unable to determine what her avoidance of sleep is related to, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a mental health professional. Avoidance of sleep may be an indication of nightmares, intrusive thoughts, re-experiencing, separation anxiety, etc. Often, children are ashamed or afraid to speak up about something terrible that has happened and will not tell a parent or any other close adult unless they are asked directly. Children sometimes feel that their parents would be deeply wounded by their disclosures. Parents often feel uncomfortable addressing such unpleasant issues, but it frequently brings a sense of relief and safety to a child to know that they can tell. It may be worth looking into.
Jan 12, 2012
 I get you!!! NEW
by: Sharon

I SO understand what you are going through. I have just posted a page to this effect, but the way in which you wrote this could have been from our family! We are experiencing exactly the same problems, although our daughter has always had problems with sleep. Her anxiety is increasing and that is affecting her sleep. Then she is sleep deprived and so the vicious circle starts. Have you found anything that works? Please let me know. I will alsi try to email you!
Sharon
Feb 21, 2012
 9yr old not sleeping through NEW
by: Anonymous

We are in the same place with our daughter going to bed ok, but always making sure the room is sorted and not spooky before she snuggles down. She then goes off to sleep, but then wakes up at 1 or 2 and won't settle unless she ends up near us. We think anxiety is the cause, but what to do to resolve it has us beat.
Feb 22, 2012
 scared to close her eyes NEW
by: Amanda

i have a beautiflu little girl who has slept 12 hours every night for most of her 7 years. recently she has started to get very scared of closing her eyes . she is telling me that when she closes her eyes the ceiling gets bigger and it scares her.
we have had to lay next to her until she eventually falls asleep. it is very truamatic for a little one to go through this, if anyone has any ideas as to why this is happening and how to stop it please , please let me know.
Feb 22, 2012
 scared to close her eyes NEW
by: Amanda

i have a beautiflu little girl who has slept 12 hours every night for most of her 7 years. recently she has started to get very scared of closing her eyes . she is telling me that when she closes her eyes the ceiling gets bigger and it scares her.
we have had to lay next to her until she eventually falls asleep. it is very truamatic for a little one to go through this, if anyone has any ideas as to why this is happening and how to stop it please , please let me know.
Mar 21, 2012
 Can't Sleep NEW
by: Anonymous

I am 12 years old and have had trouble sleeping for the past 2 or 3 months. My parents have been very helpful but if I can't fall asleep easily, I get very upset and worried. It has emproved quite a bit and one night I thought it had gone but lately, I haven't been able to fall asleep. It used to be around 10:30-11:00 pm when I would fall asleep but thankfully I now fall asleep at about 10:00, but it's still not normal for me as I used to be able to fall asleep really easily. Please help me. If you have suggestions, please comment.
I hope to be sleeping soon.
Apr 02, 2012
 Maybe sleep paralysis? NEW
by: Anonymous

I started having sleep paralysis when I was 7 years old. I slept on the couch that night and woke up frozen. I couldn't move, talk or scream. I seen my mom leave her bedroom and use the bathroom. I remember trying to scream for her, but I couldn't. This scared me so much that I hated sleeping. Nor did I think anyone would believe me if I told them. I kept having these "episodes" and still do til' this day.

With sleep paralysis, you can also hallucinate. It is indeed scary, especially for a child. She can see things that aren't there. Most commonly, people see a hag, demons, shadow people, etc.

Just a thought, but reassure her that by telling you what is going on, you can help her. :)

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