So, now that his life is stable, I think it's time for a normal sleep schedule. This means at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Is this too much to ask?
From Noah, yes.
Night before last he thought 1 a.m. was the perfect time to wake up for the day. I kept thinking he would eventually fall back asleep, but, alas, no. And with Noah, if he's not sleeping, neither is the momma.
So, we're working on a few ideas to help his "sleep hygiene." I know some of his sleep issues are learned behavior, but we know some of them are neurological. So, we are totally clueless how to help him. Do we just buckle down and get really strict or are we dealing with brain issues. Hmm...
pondering...
if you would, we would really appreciate your prayers for our sweet little boy. :-)
5 comments:
As someone who has taught parenting classes, I may have some suggestions, however, I do not know much about the specific behavior issues you have with him and I know that you have mentioned that he can involve himself in dangerous behavior, so I'm not sure if it will work for you. I will pray as well, but here is a suggestion. How about instead of saying sleep, since it really impossible to make someone sleep, you call it bedroom time. (This is a Love and Logic technique). Give him the option of you can do whatever you want within your room as long as it doesn't bother anyone else. Crazy, I'm sure you say but kids really do learn to regulate themselves. If that is too crazy for you, adapt it to fit your needs call it "in your bed time" so you can do whatever you want within the confines of your bed, providing it doesn't bother anyone else. Leave a basket for him to draw, color, look at books, play with small cars, and a small light near his bed. If he likes music, put a radio or cd player near his bed and teach him how to operate it. When he wakes up, he can turn it on and drift back off to sleep listening to music. Again, don't know if any of these will work for you...just thoughts.
My daughter does this off and on... (she is autistic) and I can totally emphasis with the not sleeping when they aren't. A couple of weeks ago she was awake from 11:30 to about 4:30 am and then had school the next day. I try not to spank at night b/c when I have it doesn't do us any good. She just gets mad and still stays awake. It's hard being in this situation... and I will deffinately pray for you and for Noah. My husband and I reversed locked her door so when she does this I know she can't leave her room and do something not safe (if we should fall asleep waiting for her to fall back asleep). We also took out her lightbulb to give her the knowledge that the sun is still dark so it is still quiet time. I don't know if that would work for you. It has worked for us. Once I know she's asleep i unlock the door b/c I want her to feel trapped if she has to go potty or it is morning time.
One of my friends who's son has a sensory disorder and has sleeping issues has really been amazed at how 'melatonin' has helped him sleep (someone recommended it to her). It's a natural hormone produced by our bodies...some people produce more, others less that you can purchase over the counter. She asked her pediatrician...might be worth asking about???
Hi I went to high school with Josh and I follow your blog...I love reading your blog :)My son has Autism and we have encountered a few sleep problems over the years....He has a difficult time unwinding and staying asleep...We go to the Christian Sarkine Autism treatment center for him...the last time I was their they suggested Melatonin, We also have done epsom salt baths in the past and they have helped some :) I pray this will be a short season for you and he will sleep better in the near future :)
Jamie Robinson
Just found out about your blog from one of the hygienists at our dentist's office. We have a special-needs son of our own and used to have lots of sleep problems: undwinding to fall asleep, getting up in the middle of the night, etc. We started using Melatonin in September and it has been amazing. He falls asleep with ease and (most nights) sleeps ALL night. We live in Hudsonville and find it at the Harvest Health on 32nd Ave. south of the highway. Talk to your son's doctor and give it a try! God bless!
Post a Comment