I am about to the point of falling over. My 2 and 3 year olds, which are already both on clonidine won't sleep but a couple of hours. Are there any suggestions out there on something elsse I can do. I am litterally about to fall over.

Hi Jenn,

This isn't a long term solution, but do you have a friend or relative who could help out w/nights a couple of times per week? I can sense that you desperately need rest. It would help you stay sane, think straight, and keep healthy.

I would even go so far as to hire someone occasionally. If you have an extra room, you might be able to find a college student who would bond w/the kids & do every other night for you, in exchange for a room.

Are your kids getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, & physical exercise during the day? Not sure if they're on daytime meds, but sometimes there's a rebound effect making for nasty nights.

The total darkness is a very good idea as it enhances the body's natural melatonin excretion, which enhances sleep.

There are sleep CDs you can play very softly that help promote the brain rhythms of sleep.

Do your kids drink milk? Have you tried the old warm-milk-before-bedtime? I'm sensing they'll need more than that, but sometimes every little bit helps.

I know in the past docs have rxd strong antihistamine-type meds to help kids sleep ... not sure if its still in vogue. You'd need to check, and also check whether that med could be given w/the Clonidine.

Best wishes.

Why are your two toddlers on clonidine?

Thanks for all of the replies. They are on clonidine to help them sleep, without it they don't sleep at all. Then they are so cranky you can't look at them the wrong way with out them crying. My 6 yr old also takes it. The went to the dr today and he uped their doses a little bit to see if that would help. If not then he want's to schedule a sleep study on them.
Thanks again