Hi. My son turned 2 April 1 and he does not sleep. He has never been a good sleeper unless swaddled and covered w/ a lot of blankets. Crying it out doesn't work with him we've tried and no one got any sleep for days because he screamed all night and only settled for the few minutes we went back in to comfort and reassure him. He goes to bed fine has a nice relaxing bath, quiet music, a few stories (the same 3 every night or its the end of the world), gets his blankie and stuffed toy, all his blankets and goes to sleep but the second a blanket falls off or he comes untucked he is awake and screaming and must be retucked. This happens several times a night. We start the bedtime process around 6:30 he is up at 5AM and ready to go. He awakens several times a night he has so much energy its like his little body just doesn't know how to shut off and relax even as he is falling asleep his legs are slamming down on his bed. He does not nap unless he is moving in the car or stroller and if he does catch a nap it makes our nights even worse. We have an OT coming to our home on Friday to do a sensory profile on him and hopefully give us some tips and ideas to help him burn some of extra energy off during the day I know bby the end of the day I am exhausted from chasing him I am shocked he isn't completely wiped out he will run back and forth in are yard all day only stopping to eat or drink but that's not even enough to tire him. Any ideas that will help I haven't gotten a full nights sleep in over 2 years he would only fall asleep as a baby if he was in his swing or if I was wearing him he is still rather light so on really tough nights I wear him until he falls asleep. My oldest was so easy he slept 12+ hrs and took a 2hr nap during the day.
When the OT comes to evaluate your son, ask her where you can purchase a weighted blanket to aid in sleeping. This is a simple and wonderful way to give a secure and lasting feeling to a hyperactive, sensory issued child allowing some sleep for everyone!
Just a couple of quick thoughts...
1. Are you using a weighted blanket? They are out there, and some kids who normally kick off blankets and wake up use them instead and stay asleep all night.
2. My son was an extremely light sleeper so our doctor had us up intake of omega fatty acids to make sure he has enough myelin sheathing so that his nerves aren't as sensitive. Now he's a less-light sleeper. You might talk with your son's doctor about that.
Hi Rachel,
I think you are very smart to have an OT get involved and get their perspective on your sons behavior. It never hurts to get an opinion, not to worry, I'm sure all is fine. As you know, age 2 has its challenges and many they just grow out of. Have you taken a look at his diet? Possibly something contributing to his behavior. What if you put him to bed a bit later in the evening for a different reaction at bedtime or no blanket until he falls asleep. I'm sure the OT will be helpful, remember to take their opinion for what it is and decide for yourself what you agree and possibly disagree with.
we've had the same problem for 3 years and what has helped is more activity and drastically changing his diet (he's had chronic constipation since six months) to gluten-free, low-sugar, no preservatives or additives and low dairy.
Also, we are getting the sensory evaluation and many helpful hints in the "out of sync" child- at that age you can qualify for early intervention which is great. Also, we are getting his adnoids out and ear tubes in- maybe your son has sleep apnea or adnoid issues, often those correlate with sensory issues.
Good luck and hang in there!
Try a good family or pediatric chiropractor. They often work wonders for not only the sleep, hyperactivity issues, but often can help the allergy, asthma issues of your other children. Chiropractic for little ones is very gentle and safe and also very effective.
Dr.E.
If noe one else has suggested it 'the happiest baby on th eblock' seems to work, but you may also want a check up as mayb ehtere are other issues that are causing this? my nephew stopped eating and sleeping around two and it ended up with some issues that needed some occupational therapy. Not to scare but look into all areas sleep is so important to you all
