Sleep Problems

[Cardsfan813]

I have a 12 year old and a 13 year old that are having sleeping problems.  They go thru phases where they are afraid to sleep alone.  They are afraid of aliens and being kidnapped.  Usually, after an hour or two of trying (and suffering) they break down and ask to sleep on our floor.

Should we just make them sleep alone? I am afraid they will lay in bed for hours shaking in their beds and not getting a good nights sleep.

Should we just let them sleep on our floor until they grow out of it?

[margypops]

My answer was in fact directed at the poster of the thread  Cardsfan ...this is an old thread we are answering lol...with what you have said about your 13 year old I still feel its something he has heard or seen ,at this age they do hear 'stuff' from peers and friends..something is making him afraid , when you ask him why what does he say ?

[Lolie2801]

I really do oversee what he watches on tv and on the computer, he does play video games...I do remember as a child being terrified of the dark and sleeping alone though, I grew out of it but I feel I should be doing something more to help him thank you though I do agree with your analysis.

[margypops]

May I ask if you vet what they watch on TV and the computer, it sounds like they are seeing stuff thats scares them .There are many ,in my opinion inappropiate things on TV and on the computer that are not good .supervise what they watch if this could be a reason .

[Lolie2801]

My son is 13 and is afraid he will "pop up" somewhere else so he repeats over and over ... nothing to be scared of ... you will take care of everything to me every night.  It makes me very sad because I really want to help him get over this suggestions?

[Jaquta]

I don't know but it doesn't seem to make much sense to allow them to sleep on your floor.  I don't expect they would sleep very well on the floor either.

I don't really understand the situation and I don't want to offer bad advice.

This forum expert, Dr Greenberg, will be better able to advise.