How to Help an ADHD Child Sleep Without Medication

ADD/ADHD children are by definition difficult children to sometimes deal with on a regular basis. It can be difficult to get them to follow directions. They are also easily distracted and can be extremely energetic and hyper. Many parents of ADD/ADHD children have resorted to giving their children medication to help them sleep because they do not know what else to do. There are other things you can do to help your child. It may take a little trial and error, but you can get your child to sleep better without the need of medication. Read on to learn how to help an ADHD child sleep without medication.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Herbal teas specifically designed for sleep
• Valerian

1. Endeavor to keep your child as physically active as possible during the day. Get her involved in sports or an outdoor activity. The more of their vast energy they are able to drain during the day, the better the chances are that they will sleep at night.
2. Limit the amount of sugar and caffeine your child consumes, particularly during the latter part of the day. Those items are known to inhibit sleep for anyone. Your ADHD child has enough energy already. Don't add to it by allowing energy-inducing chemicals into his system.
3. Pull the plug on the television, video games and the computer at least three to four hours before bedtime. Some forms of ADD/ADHD have been linked to these sources. Think about it: does life give you instant gratification? No, but a video game does. Even after a child is away from the video game, he may still be "playing" the game in his mind and it will keep her awake.
4. Try giving your child an herbal tea specially designed to help with sleep about a half hour before bedtime. These teas contain chamomile, lemon balm, hops and other herbs that will help him relax.
5. Purchase a bottle of Valerian from a local health food store and administer the prescribed amount a half hour or so before bedtime. If these other steps haven't done the trick, steps one through three with the Valerian very well could be the answer. Valerian proved to be very helpful in my own situation.
6. Allow your child to listen to soft music in bed. It may help her fall asleep as well as allow her to sleep more soundly through the night.

Tips & Warnings

• You will receive a lot of gripes and complaints when the video games and computers are not allowed, but don't give in. The complaints will subside when your child realizes you are serious, and it will allow him to pursue other interests such as outdoor activities, board games and reading.