Insomnia – A Reader’s Question

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Dear Wendy,

I have an 11 year old daughter who sleeps lightly and has started to worry that she can’t sleep at night. She goes to bed between 8.30 and 9, we practice relaxing breathing techniques, soft music and having a chat before bed on some nights, on others she goes straight to sleep, if she is late to bed and doesn’t drop off staright away she then gets upset because she’s the only one awake.

That is her big fear each night that she will be awake whilst we are all asleep. She is a hppy girl generally, going through puberty,has an 8 year old brother whom she loves dearly. She is  a light sleeper too and her bedroom is nearest to the kitchen, whilst we try to be quiet for her,it’s unrealistic that we can be silent when she’s in bed.

Hi

I can relate to the way your daughter is feeling as I used to be the same at her age. What is keeping her awake of course is the fear that she won’t be able to go to sleep. It’s a catch 22 situation and it all boils down to stress.

You are doing all the right things with the music and breathing techniques. What you may need to also do is to assure her that she is not the only one who is awake. There are thousands of people in the same situation and although it is unpleasant, no harm will come to her.

Being a light sleeper is also very common, but of course doesn’t help the situation. Have your tried a brainwave entrainment CD? These will slowly bring the brainwaves down from beta to alpha and below. Another thing that I find works for me when my mind is racing is to put on a boring CD of someone talking and this will distract me from worrying about not sleeping and I’m asleep before I know it.

 Reading a book works for some but not for others. Try out these things and see if it helps.

Here’s wishing good luck to you and your daughter.

Wendy