Our 4 year old just flat out won't sleep. Never really has. It is a 2-3 hour battle to get him to sleep and once he does get to sleep he wakes up 2-3 times a night and is up at 5:30 at the latest.
We have tried everything, essential oils, lavender baths, noise box.
The only time he sleeps is if someone is in the bed with him.
Younger brothers are too small to share a room with him, wife says no dog yet.

His teacher suggested trying a weighted blanket, anyone have experience with them?

I never heard of such a thing but their might be something to it. I've always preferred and slept better under a heavy (weight not necessarily warmth)comforter.

Or a cat or puppy.

..another vote for a big dog (puppy). Sorry, you said no dogs.

I dated a woman last year whose son was autistic - the weighted blanket was a must for bedtime.

So, I know they work.

What Mark and Fred said.
I am a light sleeper and awaken numerous times at night.
Sleep under a heavy quilt with one or more kitties.
The pressure of a cat next to me and their gentle purring is very soothing.

I would love to have a dog again.
But with a 4 year old, 2 year old, and a 4 month old that won't happen.
And cats, no way, no how. My wife and I are not cat people.

quote:

Originally posted by brywards:
I dated a woman last year whose son was autistic - the weighted blanket was a must for bedtime.

So, I know they work.

My autistic child has never needed a weighted vest or blanket, but I've also heard of several cases where they've helped kids. Talk to a children's therapist for more info to see if one might help.

Have you tried stuffed animals? Or a body pillow?

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

The only time he sleeps is if someone is in the bed with him.

You could try one of those long 'body pillows'. If he's four, they will be about his size.

GregY beat me to it

Multiple stuffed animals, body pillow, and regular pillows.

When our son wouldn't stay in bed, we got a Cars (tm) tent from Walmart. Set it up on his bed and he stayed there all night.

Maybe try a sound machine? (White noise generator)

Our 8 year old uses one. He can have a hard time
falling to sleep with out it. Sometimes staying up to 1-2AM. Which is a serious problem with school the next day. We too have tried many options and it works really well.

A well made weighted blanket will be seem expensive up front. The one we have has a velvety bumpy texture on under side. That allows you to feel the weight but not smoother you. It breaths enough to keep him from overheating. The blanket is made up 5"x5" squares that distribute the weighted filler while keeping it from migrating to one spot. Think of a blanket made of bean bags. The filler used for the weight are small hard plastic bee bees.

I'll find out what site we ordered it from and update my post. My son picked the color of fabric for the underside and the top side in a spider man pattern. It is made very well and durable. It has held up to the frequent, almost daily washings. Don't ask....

ETA: Sensa Calm

Ready to ship

-TVz

quote:

Originally posted by brywards:
I dated a woman last year whose son was autistic - the weighted blanket was a must for bedtime.

So, I know they work.

Yep, one of my grandsons who is autistic sleeps with one, and a sound machine.

Not my child, buy I worked at one time in a group home that had autistic kids and most had one and it did seem to help.

ARman

Benadryl...

quote:

Originally posted by Mikito:
Benadryl...

I was going to go with Whiskey or Bourbon, but that may be too harsh, Benadryl is probably the way to go.

However, I must warn you I'm NOT a Doctor. But I did stay in a Holiday Inn about a week ago.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikito:
Benadryl...

He is even worse on Benadryl it turns into an all night dance party. Then he is triple grumpy the next day.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:

quote:

Originally posted by Mikito:
Benadryl...

I was going to go with Whiskey or Bourbon, but that may be too harsh, Benadryl is probably the way to go.

However, I must warn you I'm NOT a Doctor. But I did stay in a Holiday Inn about a week ago.

I am fairly sure we were separated at birth.