Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 7/17/2007

Question
Hi, my son is almost 8, and has been on Concerta for ADHD for about 4 years.  The Concerta works very well.  He takes 45 mg per day, and takes .1 mg of Clonodine at 7:30 to help with sleep.  However, sleeping has gotten progressively worse over the last 6-12 mos.  We feed him as much as he will eat about 8:30, and give him milk as well.  We don't allow alot of electronics, and never in the evening.  He prefers reading (very high IQ) and other sedentary pursuits to outdoor play, so sometimes he does not get enough exercise, I think.  He will not stay in bed with the light off unless he is on the verge of sleep, so sometimes it is as late as 10:00.  We have two other children, one of whom is also a difficult sleeper, so we are desperate to find some sort of routine that will ease this problem.  Could you recommend a regimen, or book, that we could try?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! Michelle


Answer
Dear Michelle,

Thanks for asking me your question.  Here are some suggestions to try.  I would suggest that you begin lowering the lights in the house about an hour before bedtime- no overhead lighting, just lamps.  You also can consider doing a warm bath with lavender - Johnson's has a baby bath, I believe.  I suggest also a routine that has to do with deep breathing exercises, maybe a story that your read & he listens to with his eyes closed.  

I do encourage you to increase his exercise also. There are two other things to consider also.  One is a CD - it's an entrainment CD - it works with music to help the brain move into a different 'mode.'   There are different kinds.  I listen to one by Dr. John M. Ortiz, Ph.D. after seeing him in a seminar.  He was very good.  He has some guided imagery for children. It didn't work for my friend's child or her, but I really enjoy the one for adults.  It is worth a try.  

The site is called www.soundpsych.com.  The CDs do not contain subliminal messages.  

The last option to consider is the time you give your son the Concerta or seeing if a switch to Daytrana - the ADD patch would not keep him up as much during the late evening.  It seems to have a smoother transition from what families I spoken to say.  

Those are my suggestions for now.  What a remarkable mom you are.  

Blessings to you.

Christine