sleep issues. please help
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sleep issues. please help
| Mon, 11-13-2006 - 12:34pm |
DS (2 years) is not sleeping through the night again. Ever since the time change he has been getting up at 5am. This weekend he got up at 4 am both days. Last night, I put him down at 7:45 pm. As soon as I laid him in his crib he started crying. SO, I tried again. As soon as I laid him down, he started crying, so I let him cry for 20 minutes hoping he would fall asleep. Well, he didn't so I did the whole routine again (music, rocking, cuddling) and he fell asleep. THEN at 1 am he was up crying mommy and daddy. He cried until 2:15---straight. Fell asleep. then was up at 2:45. Cried and fell asleep at 3am. He then slept until I got him up to go to the sitters. I seriously do not know what to do. DS's ears are not infected. He is currently on antibiotics for strep throat. Obviously I could bring him to bed with us, but I think that is what he wants and I can't sleep with him in our bed b/c he is a major wiggler. He still takes a nap. He has missed a few naps here and there and that does not make a difference. He still wakes up and cries. His room is dark and crib is cozy. I have tried to keep him up later and that, too, doesn't work. I am out of tricks and cannot continue this lack of sleep. I am getting grouchy.
Please help
Thanks
Sonya
Please help
Thanks
Sonya

Sonya,
Have you tried Melatonin? It works great for Nathan. It comes in liquid, and I just mix it with some juice, which he takes right before bedtime.
michelle
Thanks
Sonya
http://www.natrol.com/products/product.php
this is what I give Nathan. I find it in a local store where they keep the supplements and vitamins. You can also checkout any store that carries herbal type supplements and vitamins.
michelle
I almost forgot! Nathan is 68 lbs and I give him 6 drops. We started at 4 drops a couple years ago, I believe.
michelle
Have I ever been there and done that a thousand times over. Melatonin is a big help. I use it for both boys. Mine get 5mg each night. Most start with 1mg about 30 minutes before sleep. Another trick is to some benadryl, but that will lose it's effectiveness for most kids after a week or two. You can also try an epsom salt bath...its detoxifying and seems to help with sleep. I believe it's 1 cup per 60lbs of child, so adjust accordingly..ie1/2 c for 30#. see enzymestuff.com for details on epsom.
best of luck. i have been there and i totally feel for you. it's pretty common for kids on the spectrum to have sleep disregulation pretty easily, especially when sick. it always takes my kids a long time to recoop. and in the fall, matty always has a sleep regression.
valerie
Sonya,
I answered a question like this awhile ago, and as it was rarely lucid; I saved it. Forgive the canned answer. but I am tired tonight, and couldn't replicate it if I tried.
Generally, if he falls asleep, can he stay asleep?
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