A reader recently wrote to ask my help with her 3rd grader’s newly developed sleep problem.  I think it’s particularly timely since it had a bit to do with transitioning back to school.

Dear Dr. Meg,

My daughter Susie is 8 years old–just started 3rd grade.  Since she go back from sleep away camp this summer, her sleep patterns have been terrible!  She’s constantly up and down–to go to the bathroom, to get a drink of water, etc. She comes crying to us in our room, saying she’s scared, not sleepy.  She can’t really articulate what she’s scared of, but she always wants me or her Dad to stay in bed with her until she falls asleep. She sleeps on the floor of our bedroom, she’s slept on the couch. She’s been awake as late as 2 a.m. and most nights it’s 11 or 12 until we can finally get her to sleep. Please help!

Signed,

Sleepy in San Antonio

See my answer after the jump!

Dear Sleepy:

Disturbed sleep in a young child who goes away to camp and then returns home is quite common. Usually, however, after two weeks of coercing the child to stay in her room, she…