<p>I agree with the other posters about a topper and a sleep sound machine but my concern is his possible subconscious anxiety. Is that what’s keeping him from falling asleep and/or sleeping soundly? </p>
<p>If he’s worried about being late for class, get a surefire alarm such as a Sonic Boom. I got my son the one from Amazon with the dual alarm (one setting for M/W/F classes and the other for Tu/Th classes. He’s found that he doesn’t even need the very loud alarm as the bed shaker wakes this former ‘unwakeable’ child.</p>
<p>If he’s worried (consciously or subconsciously) about the general stress that all freshman endure, have him see his home physician and let his doctor decide if he needs meds temporarily (though I’m not in favor of drugs unless they are TRULY needed). I’ve suffered from anxiety sleeplessness (plus delayed sleep phase syndrome) for many, many years (my brain just won’t shift into neutral) and tried just about every sleep OTC med, supplement and method out there as well as many prescription meds. Ambien (and other versions) works like a charm but can only be used occasionally or short term (or the brain become immune, like mine). So, my doc had me try different meds that causes sleepiness but most left me with a ‘sleep hangover’ the next day (just like OTC sleep meds). What finally worked for me was Clonazepam. However, your son may in time adjust on his own as he becomes acclimated to college life but for the time being, a script, along with a boring textbook, might help him get over this bump in the road. Advice from a professional can never hurt since they can rule in or out underlying conditions, right?</p>