• Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 68 subscribers
  • Views 427 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Sleep difficulties with our toddler

NAS91478

Our son is soon to be 22 months. We have struggled since birth with his sleep. He frequently fights going to sleep although he is clearly tired and, once asleep, can wake up within an hour or so and need to be settled again. He will also wake during the night frequently and now is typically awake and wanting to play from around 0400 in the morning. Most of the time we can only get him back to sleep again by using phenergan prescribed by our GP.

Although he doesn't have a confirmed diagnosis of autism, he is exhibiting a lot of the behaviours associated with it. His Nursery have also said that he is showing signs there that he could be autistic based on their experience.

We have no doubt that, in due course, he will be diagnosed with autism.

We are looking for any advice on how we can try and improve his sleep situation. We are permanently exhausted!

Parents

  • Do both of you work? Is it possible for one of you to take time off if so, and try to adapt to his natural schedule? 

    I say this because in order to get a full understanding of how to help him adjust into life so he's healthy and happy, it can be easier to start where he's at and then work out a plan. I probably would start here before a prescription. Then make sure the environment isn't affecting his circadian rhythm. Infants are incredibly susceptible to blue light - lightaware.org can help. If you're still nursing, making sure you're not having caffeinated drinks in the evening. 

    Does he seem anxious when apart from you? Perhaps even sleeping in the same room can help as well. Sometimes a child just feels safe and therefore - stays asleep when not separated. Our natural state is one where we sleep as a family - it's only in the last few hundred years or less humans have started forcing a sort of isolation even within the family unit. 

    If you can, I'd throw out everything you think you 'should do' and just work with him on instinct. 

Reply

  • Do both of you work? Is it possible for one of you to take time off if so, and try to adapt to his natural schedule? 

    I say this because in order to get a full understanding of how to help him adjust into life so he's healthy and happy, it can be easier to start where he's at and then work out a plan. I probably would start here before a prescription. Then make sure the environment isn't affecting his circadian rhythm. Infants are incredibly susceptible to blue light - lightaware.org can help. If you're still nursing, making sure you're not having caffeinated drinks in the evening. 

    Does he seem anxious when apart from you? Perhaps even sleeping in the same room can help as well. Sometimes a child just feels safe and therefore - stays asleep when not separated. Our natural state is one where we sleep as a family - it's only in the last few hundred years or less humans have started forcing a sort of isolation even within the family unit. 

    If you can, I'd throw out everything you think you 'should do' and just work with him on instinct. 

Children
No Data