9 YO Panics at Bedtime

This happens to me when I am stressed. The tricky thing about it is that I often don't think I am stressed. I am not thinking about a particular thing that is stressing me. But it'll happen for a period of time, and when it stops, I can look back and see an event in my life that was stressful that ended that day. Most recently, my daughter was vomiting for a week. The day it stopped, I had no symptoms. So, maybe she is stressed about something and it's possible she may not know what. Did she start school? Hope that helps.

Greetings M.: When your child has a problem it is never wise to not check things out. We have 5 children, and raised several foster children. I have learned that night time fear is real and I know for a fact that my daughter found it easier to sleep in the day than at night because of fears of being alone, something happening to the family while she was not with us, etc. I havehad foster children that have been molested at night and have morbid fears of the nighttime. I can share what we learned and hope that anything helps.
1. We completely emptied the bedroom, repainted, rearranged, and made sure there was soft light at night and started fresh. In the long run the cheapest thing we could have done.
2. We made sure that the TV was off for an hour before bedtime and music was playing -- this is a big adjustment for any other family members but worth it. The point being they are not hearing the news channel, a grafic show and getting to relax.
3. make sure that there isn't something going on within her group of friends-- you know at this age they adore each other one minuet and hate each other the next.
4. We kept a fan on for white noise and sometimes had to be willing to sit and just talk for a few minuets while the child unwound.
In all the long runs these things have been worth it and we found that growing up can be scarey and body changes are as well. Good Luck and I hope your child feels safe and secure soon. Nana Glenda

Definitely talk to the doctor. It's worth getting the input on this situation.

Our son has ADHD and takes a melatonin tablet at bedtime to help him calm down for sleep. Otherwise, he can't control his energy and it can take hours for him to relax enough to sleep. We didn't want to do meds for sleep issues so the doctor recommended melatonin, since it's a natural product (can find it anywhere -- market, Target, etc.).

Poor little gal I bet she's scared of these feelings. Have you thought about what she watches on tv? What video or computer games she may be playing? Or book she's read recently? Has she started any new medicines, or vitamins lately or even started drinking sodas or coffee more than usual? My heart races 24 hours after I have a few sips of any caffeine and it can feel just like a panic attack and keep me from sleeping. Is there noise or activity outside her room that may be bothering her such as neighbors, trees casting shawdows on her window, or even what you do after leaving her room? If your tv is on too loud, or a conversation or activity can be heard she may feel uncomfortable with what she hears. Could there be a chance someone has gone into her room in the night and bothered her. It's a scary thought, but sometimes the person who molests a child lives under the same roof and the child may never tell what is happening. Is she home alone with anyone during the day? So, I'd watch what she eats and drinks, cut out caffeine and spicy foods, get her away from tv shows and games, give her some "nice" books to read, and already suggested was some soothing quiet music played for her. They sells CDs just for this and can be very relaxing and calming. And I would mention it to the Dr just so they know. I hope this helps, and she can relax and enjoy drifting off to sleep soon.

Has she had some nightmares recently? Maybe you can try playing some music in her room to fall asleep to, something cheerful but mellow.

You need to take her to the doctor. My heart was racing at bedtime as well, and I'm an adult. It turned out that I had benign arrhythmias. For some reason when I lay down to go to bed they start. Exercise seems to make my heart beat normally. There could be any number of reasons this is happening, but you need to rule out any medical causes.

No, I don't think this is normal. You might want to try some relaxing techniques, such as foot rubs, back rubs while playing soft music. Sleepy time tea or a natural sleep supplement you can get at a natural store. I use to do this for my son when he had trouble falling asleep. It sounds like anxieties. Maybe try this before asking your doctor, who might want to give some prescription. Best of luck to you and your daughter. <:(((><

I am hypoglycemic. I have attacks both at night, and in the early morning. My Doctor told me I was having panic attacks, but I later learned it was a decrease in blood sugar. It makes my heart race and causes me to feel panicked. Try having her eat something very high in protein before bed. Cheese works for me. also try yoghurt or just a protien shake. I used to wake every day at 4:30 with the same symptoms. I now get up, eat a little cheese or something and go right back to sleep. Just a possibility.

I had a similar issue when I was around 9 years old, I couldn't sleep and would be awake until 3,4,5:00 and only get a couple of hours of sleep. I tried counting sheep, listening to quiet music etc. I ended up getting really sick after months of sleep issues, that seemed to end the sleep problems, I wish my parents would have taken me to the doctor to see what was going on, so my advice is to take her in and see what the root of the problem is, maybe even talking to a child psychologist would help.

would take her to a psychologist. It could be a form of night terrors. My daughter had them and the underlying problem was that she just expected so much of herself in school that she was stressing and causing them. They are very scary when they have them after they are are asleep.

My 9yo daughter did the same thing last year, and it started happening at school as well. They turned into full blown panic attacks and I knew I needed to get her into dr. They were able to help me and her understand how to help this. It was a series of breathing tecniques, positive bedtime CD stories, and a work book for her and I to do and lots of love and encouragement. Once she understands that her "feeling" (that is what we called it) can be controlled by what she does and thinks, it will go away. I spent many nights talking with her about what was making her nervous, and then role playing that thought out (so she can see how it is unreal).The deep breathing (breath in for 5, blow out for five) was a huge help! It took about 2 months of work, but I am glad I took the time to understand her worries and help her grow through them. Hang tight mom! I know how frustrating and heart breaking it can be to have your child feel like this. It will pass....just don't give up :)

Hi M.,

Is she drinking water? Water is important in maintaining everything.

I read that is one of the signs of dehydration. There are 94 signs.

There is a book called The Bodies Many Cries Of Water. Great book.

Good water is important.

I have a great sourse if that interest you.

Have a great day.

N. Marie