I need some encouragement/help re: sleep!

I am having the hardest time! At almost two, I have one who still doesn't sleep through and flips out if he doesn't get a bottle when he wakes. He usually goes right back to sleep, but it still is difficult.

The other ended up in my bed at some point during our recent move a few months ago. They briefly had to share a room. Both got really sick and we put Abby with me so that she wouldn't keep waking every time Chase coughed....

So, she was up for FOUR hours last night trying to get herself back to sleep. She may have had a tummy ache, but it's so hard to tell.

My pediatrician recommended I still go to them because of the big change (also Chase has some sensory issues, and she doesn't want him all hysterical in the night) ... moving to an apartment and then to a house across the country...... but I just don't know how things got so out of control. I haven't slept well in almost two years, and I am WIPED OUT mentally, physically and emotionally....

Any tips or thoughts anyone might have?? I need to do SOMETHING!!!

 

I KNOW how our thinking and coping skills fail when we have lack of sleep. Firstly you should have someone deal with them for at least one night so you can catch up on some sleep. You need to take care of yourself FIRST, then you will be able to deal effectively with the kids.

I admit I am not familiar with the sensory issues Chase has, however, is it possible that you put a bottle of water in his crib at night to help him self-soothe?

Abby needs to go back to her bed - I know you know this. Having her in her familiar bed will help her fall back asleep and it won't keep you up. Does she have a favourite stuffed animal or blanket or something to make her more 'at home'?

But still, most importantly, you need to catch up on your sleep. Even if it is half an hour during their nap. Remember that when we are run down we are most likely to get sick, so have extra fruits and vegetables right now to keep yourself nourished.

And please keep us informed about what happens, OK? I'm sorry I can't help more.

Holly

 

:hug99: Stef, I'm sorry! I can't believe you are still struggling with your sleep issues! I don't know what to tell you really, I just think you do whatever you have to in order to get back to sleep FAST. Go into survival mode!! Start napping a little with them, because you really need it!! You still have ONE MORE MOVE - right? You aren't in your final house yet are you? Maybe put an air mattress on the floor in their room and have Bry go in there and help them one night (I Liked that idea from the PP).

A & M have been doing a night waking thing on me and if I bring them anywhere NEAR my room, I am HOSED!! I just hang out in their room till it's time for me to just call it.

Maybe try some warm milk in a sippy or something. But with sensory stuff, Chase might not take well to that!

This is tough!! :hug99: I'm glad you posted here again! :hug99:

 

Thanks, gals!

Di - You're right.. we have one more move ahead. It's either in about 3 or could be as much as 8 months or so.

I know Abby needs to go back in her bed. I'm just not sure how to accomplish it without a LOT of fuss! Of course, maybe there is no way to do it without fuss. My pediatrician recommended talking to her every day about her bed and then she will eventually choose to go in her bed instead of mine, but I truly am not sure she would ever choose her bed. I ask her if she wants to sleep in her "princess" bed and she says "no".

I will try the water bottle in Chase's bed tonight. Both of them have slept through at different points in there lives, but somehow it never stuck.

 

QUOTE(schmoopie @ May 23 2007, 06:06 AM) [snapback]265636[/snapback]
but I just don't know how things got so out of control. I haven't slept well in almost two years, and I am WIPED OUT mentally, physically and emotionally....

Any tips or thoughts anyone might have?? I need to do SOMETHING!!!


First... :hug99: :hug99: to you!!!

My ds woke up 3 times the other night( which he never does and I could barely function the next day! No sleep is awful!!

I'm not familiar with sensory issues and the needs.
Good luck with what ever you decide. I am so sorry!!!!

Can you get away? do a girls overnight somewhere to refresh yourself?

 

Stef - how did the rest of your day and night go?

Holly

 

Unfortunately I don't know your specific situation, which might make for better advice.

I have worked at a hospital with babies/kids with scenery issues, this was a few years back, I'm sure there is more recent studies I am now unaware of. What we did is since they were out of there element we tried to put them back in (if that makes sense? is kinda hard to explain). Make a bed time routine, have a certain object in the room, we used to put things on the ceiling depending on situation, try to make it an as organized situation as possible as one of the main things I found was over stimulation. Also might think of leaving a sippy cup of water for him to drink in the morning with him at night. I wish I could help more as not sure this is what you are looking for. I hope you will get into your new house soon, just look forward to that day and try to keep your spirits up.

Best of luck