Sleep deprived

I am very worried about my daughter.

She is 10 and has never needed much sleep but now its getting ridiculous. She averages 11 o'clock each night. She seems to be doing ok in school but is unbearable to live with as she is so irritable all the time and makes my life a misery. She sometimes cannot get up in the morning for school. Is there some kind of aromatherapy that would help?

Dear Gladeana:

People vary in the quantity of sleep they require. In addition, individual body clocks also vary making some people prefer mornings and others evenings.

Ensure your daughter goes to bed at a reasonable time and remove all items that could distract her such as computer games and televisions from her room. Let her read in bed if she wants to and try not to eat too late or get her over excited before bedtime. Although your daughter will not like these changes she will become used to them in time. 

You could also try using a lavender pillow placed under her pillow and lavender aromatherapy oil in her bath.  Lavender has long been credited with relaxing properties.  Hot milk also contains Tryphopan known to aid sleep. Try this continuously for three months and if there is no improvement then make an appointment to see your doctor.