are sleeping pills necessary for a 11yo??

[leela0399]

I am 11yo and i am never able to get to sleep of a night time. Are sleeping pills necessary for me??

[leela0399]

Ok so I decided to get them and they helped alot!! Me and my parents decided to try natural ways first like a drink and them spray but they didn't work. So we got the pills :) thanks everyone who answeres

[salvation310]

PLEASE BY ALL MEANS DO NOT TAKE SLEEP AIDS, NOT EVEN OVER THE COUNTER, THEY ARE JUST HAS DANGEROUS AS PRESCRIPTION DRUG. i WAS ON SLEEP AID FOR 6 MONTHS AND GOING THRU A TERRIBLE WITHDRAWAL FROM IT BECAUSE I ABRUPTLY STOPPED TAKING IT. ITS A HORRIBLE,HORRIBLE,EXPERIENCE, I CANNOT BEGIN TO STRESS HOW BAD IT IS, THIS IS MY 3RD WK IN WITHDRAWAL AND i'M PRAYING IT WILL BE OVER SOON..GOOD LUCK AND BE WELL....

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, pills should be given only if there is absolute necessary and when non-pharmacological therapy fails. It is important to know the root cause of the insomnia which even includes the mental condition. Mental conditions like stress, anxiety, depression along with the sleeping atmosphere are important factors for insomnia. If sleeping problem is for a long time then it may become difficult to treat.

You can be start with non-pharmacological therapy which includes; Photo therapy, maintenance of sleep hygiene. You need to go for morning exercises and work out which will make you fresh and active all day and tiredness at the end of day will help you to induce sleep naturally. Even if you are on pills, it should be taken for short term. I suggest you to consult sleep specialist. Take care and regards.

[MEFMJanet]

I agree....NO to sleeping pills.

Have you talked to your parents about your problems with sleeping?  Do you take any medications for any health conditions?

Do you sleep during the day...like after school?

Make sure you're getting plenty of exercise (fresh air) and don't play video games a few hours before bed as they stimulate your brain.  If you drink caffeinated drinks (like Coke or Pepsi), don't drink them after a certain time (like 5pm or so) and try to stay away from sugar in the evenings.

You need to learn how to have a good bedtime routine and stick to regular sleep hours...meaning, don't sleep in on weekends.  Also, make sure your bedroom is used only for sleep or maybe reading.  Don't watch TV in there.

There are lots of tips online about getting good "sleep hygiene" so do some research as jenni recommended.

Good luck to you !!!  : )

[pennybrooks]

NO! dont take pills let your parents know if you havent already .  Try eating a good meal (not Junk) for supper shower and read before bed that may help.

[jennyfi1234]

You should definately NOT be taking any pills without your parents and doctor telling you too. I seriously doubt a doctor will prescribe sleeping pills to you, because they can be adictive. PLEASE talk to your parents and do some research online -looking for tips to sleep better and establish a good sleeping routine.