My teenage son cannot fall asleep on his own. He's fine sleeping at friends houses, fine with friends sleeping at our house. But, he cannot fall asleep in his own bedroom, he sleeps on a couch outside our bedroom, and needs someone on the other couch until he falls asleep. Otherwise, he will sleep on the floor in our bedroom, or, in our bed if my wife or I is travelling (we both travel frequently).
Sleep was always somewhat of an issue, but this became more acute when he was about 12. He really does not like to talk about it, and he's usually very communicative. With therapists, he is very engaging at first then becomes bored and does not want to continue. He says that therapists "try to get inside your head", and he doesn't like that.
He's not very physically active, but it has proved very difficult to convince him to get more exercise.
Any similar experiences and suggestions?
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Teenage Boy cannot fall asleep on his own
- By melech
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 5:25 am · 1 reply
- In Teens and sleep
- Shared with the public
1 reply
- By dmrplmd
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 9:42 am
- Report post
One issue that comes to mind is that my friends son who was 7 was afraid to sleep in his bedroom that was off the front of the house because of a few kidnapping cases in the news where the child was taken from their bedroom while sleeping. Boys in this day are told to be tough and strong he may not want to share that he is afraid of something. That may have happened a few years ago and now is deep set in his mind.
OR it could be something else
Have you tried letting him design his own room? Completely minimal first of all but the material (sheets) on the bed should be to his liking. Thread count and cotton (dark colors that he likes) The painting on the walls should be plain and what he likes soothing to the eyes. It should be like a soothing cave. toys away in the closet. What is it about the rooms that he does fall asleep in besides the people? You look for that - then also ask him. He may not be able to express that.
I would also take him to a neurologist if you already haven't done so.
Is he figity a lot before falling asleep does he get up often to get a glass of water, go to the bathroom, i forgot something, blah blah or toss and turn? That is a sign of one sleep disorder. Does he like to watch TV on that couch? For my sleep disorders watching TV to put you to sleep is good or reading a book. To relax my mind it has to be engaged to settle it down whether it is a book or TV. That is what helps me.
Seeing the therapist may not be the answer because he may not know why this is going on and it may be more frustrating.
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