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My Son Can't Sleep - Is This A Sleeping Disorder?

by SHAMILA
(TX)

MY SON IS 19 YEAR OLD. HE CAN'T SLEEP AT NIGHT EVEN HE STAYS UP FOR 2 DAYS. HE STILL CAN'T GO TO SLEEP AND HE FEELS SLEEPY IN THE MORNING, LIKE 5AM HE WAS ALWAYS LIKE THAT BUT NOW ITS GETTING WORSE AND EFFECTING HIS COLLEGE LIFE TOO. I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR I SHOULD GO TO.
Kevin: Hi Shamila, Since your son's life is being significantly affected by his lack of sleep, it probably would be wise to have him visit your family doctor or a sleep specialist near you. They should be able to assess his specific situation in more detail and offer him helpful strategies to combat it.

In addition to that, you may find helpful information on our Can't Sleep page.

Best wishes to you and your son.

Warmly,
Kevin

Comments for
My Son Can't Sleep - Is This A Sleeping Disorder?

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Oct 06, 2010
 Lack of sleep
by: Annette

Hi. Your son probably is experiencing some of the following problems. I have a few questions and a few suggestions. First does he go away to school or live at home while attending college? Second, what has changed in his life other that graduating high school and going to college? ie Food, habits, social life, too many friends, not enough friends, interest in a love interest, separtation from a love interest? Third, is your son ADHD? Does he have allergies and can't breath? Your son may be having seperartion issues. It is really tough on kids when they are thrown into the adult life of being responsible for themselves. Being over zelous with college life can really change your body chemistry. I would see a sleep center first for they monitor his brain while he is sleeping or attempting to sleep. They can determine a lot about what is going on in his body. I have 4 kids of which 3 are in college and one a senior in HS. I would see what the sleep center says first, then move on to a psychologist to see what is underlying his lack of sleep. Good luck!
Feb 23, 2012
 Grief of losing a parent NEW
by: Anonymous

My son is 19 also and was away at college and now living at home attending college. His father passed away unexpectedly 8 months ago.
He is going through what I beleve is separation anxiety! He is afraid and scared now of his unknown future without his father. His social life has changed, his friends have changed, his eating and sleeping habits are terrible. He is out with friends every night and when he gets hone at 1:00, 2:00, or even 3:00 am he will stay awake eating snacks and watching T.V or playing Play Station games until 5:00 or 6:00 am in the morning. He has had grief counsuling; however he dind't have enough and needs to return. He doesn't want to go and says he is okay, but he isn't okay. He has gained alot of weight and has taken on smoking cigaretts and maraquina. He has a history of obeasity and diabetes in the family and I am very concerened about his physical and mental health.

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