every day is a battle getting DD to sleep, help?

mucklebones

I am guessing it could be sensory seeking behaviour, allow her some food that requires some chew or crunch before bed perhaps, introduce some heavy activities before bed, try joint compressions, a weighted blanket, white noise, calming lighting, vibrating pillow, body brushing?

Does she stay asleep once she is asleep? Melatonin could be a solution but it does not always have the desired effect, especially if they wake often during the night too.

Good luck.

daska

mucklebones wrote: »

I am guessing it could be sensory seeking behaviour, allow her some food that requires some chew or crunch before bed perhaps, introduce some heavy activities before bed, try joint compressions, a weighted blanket, white noise, calming lighting, vibrating pillow, body brushing?

Does she stay asleep once she is asleep? Melatonin could be a solution but it does not always have the desired effect, especially if they wake often during the night too.

Good luck.

This was my first instinct as well - but then I have a young son with severe sensory problems who didn't sleep for nearly five years and was quite literally transformed into a heavy sleeper overnight so I guess I look for similarities.

Has she ever been assessed by paediatric occupational therapy? Sensory processing disorder can manifest as ADHD/ASD traits. But when the sensory needs are appropriately catered for, these same traits can virtually disappear. This is what happened with DS2, I put a hat on him one night and he slept through and has slept through nearly every night since - just a small, insignificant change from previously sleeping through erm, maybe 12 times a year...! If your child hasn't been assessed I'd ask her GP/Paediatrician for a referral.

Best of luck finding the solution for your little one

morocha

she was very good sleeping as a baby but as she grew older , feels like she needs very little sleep and is so energetic is amazing, even after a day with lots of activities she is not that tired then suddenly once a month or so she will fall asleep for hours. I know everyone says children are energetic but my dd is even more than all her friends.

i will look into sensory disorder.
Putting the baby to sleep before her is not feasible at the moment, baby goes to sleep at 9.30 but as she start sleeping longer iam bringing her bed time earlier.

pinkshoes

What time does she get up if she goes to sleep at 10am?

morocha

around 3-4

mucklebones

daska wrote: »

This was my first instinct as well - but then I have a young son with severe sensory problems who didn't sleep for nearly five years and was quite literally transformed into a heavy sleeper overnight so I guess I look for similarities.

Your telling me there is hope lol. Daughter also has sensory processing disorder and has not slept good yet. She is 5.5 years and has got worse not better. :eek:

I keep telling myself one day ... perhaps

meritaten

this is going to sound a bit weird - but, it may be worth a try. Satin, many ADHD kids find it a great comforter! I find my ADHD granddaughter sleeps much better if I use the Satin pillowcase. her dad had a 'blankie' with satin edging which he found calming (he couldn't sleep without it for years).
besides that, then routine and being a 'boring parent' helps.

my GS who has Aspergers has Melatonin which he finds helpful. The consultant refuses to prescribe it for my GD who is now nine.

daska

mucklebones wrote: »

Your telling me there is hope lol. Daughter also has sensory processing disorder and has not slept good yet. She is 5.5 years and has got worse not better. :eek:

I keep telling myself one day ... perhaps

I feel your pain. DS2 would sleep through for 3 consecutive nights or so every 3 months, all the rest of the year he'd be awake until 3.30am or wake up a minimum of 4 times a night, more often 6 or 8. But his major trigger area is his head and, complete fluke, the heating was playing up, it was really cold and the only hat I could find was actually a baby one and DS2 has a very large head (typical of ASD?!). Every time I tell the story of how we found his solution I think how incredibly lucky we are that his trigger is such an easy one to deal with.

We've got lots more 'behaviours' starting to come under control since he moved into the lovely, quiet, ASD unit (got a place even though he's not been officially assessed and diagnosed with ASD/ADHD) where, for the moment at least, he's able to bounce when he needs, stand up to work and not be bombarded with the high levels of auditory and visual stimulation to be found in the mainstream classrooms. School was turning him into a sad and angry little boy but now we've got our happy chappy back.

Really hope you find something that works soon.

(((HUGS)))

jenhug

meritaten wrote: »

this is going to sound a bit weird - but, it may be worth a try. Satin, many ADHD kids find it a great comforter! I find my ADHD granddaughter sleeps much better if I use the Satin pillowcase. her dad had a 'blankie' with satin edging which he found calming (he couldn't sleep without it for years).
besides that, then routine and being a 'boring parent' helps.

my GS who has Aspergers has Melatonin which he finds helpful. The consultant refuses to prescribe it for my GD who is now nine.

You can buy it online from America. My friend did this while she was waiting for her consultant to prescribe it. It is on sale freely over there, you can walk into any drugstore and buy it.

meritaten

thank you jen - is there comprehensive advice about dosage etc?