Then off to the store I go!
Just barely hanging on here....my dd's sleep goes in such dramatic "phases" and we're in the 'no need for sleep' part right now. I know it will get better, but it's so hard to deal with when I'm in the middle of it. It took me 3 hours to get her to sleep the other night, then she was up at 5:30. No naps at all, last night I thought I was gonna scream because it was nearly midnight before she fell alseep then was up before 6. Again, no naps either. how the heck does she do it? I'M EXHAUSTED! Oh yeah, up during the night too..... This has been going on for nearly a week now and it gets me so frustrated and I lose the energy to do the things I need to do with her. Just have to wait for her to regulate but I needed a vent because I get tired and cranky and just feel like I want to explode when this is going on! And believe me...I've tried it all....rocking, singing, music, calming sounds, adjusting temps, baths, no sugar past afternoon, lavender & vanilla scents.....BLAH, BLAH, BLAH....
Sorry, enough ranting...must go get another cup of joe.....
And she looks SO SWEET in her pics doesn't she??? LOL
Oh Kristen, I definitely feel for you. Brendon had a phase like that. It lasted for about 3.5 to 4 years lol. He's just started sleeping well at night during the past year. I think the stress of hearing his dad and I fight all the time had alot to do with his problems. He's like a totally different child now. No meds needed. My secret was the rocking recliner and just leaving him alone. He puts himself to bed now. Hugs to you sweety. Did you make your coffee so strong a spoon will stand up in it?yeah, I had to SCOOP it out of the coffee pot! lol I remember you suggesting the recliner Mary and I actually did try that with a big sofa rocker thing, but she wouldn't stay in it. It's wierd because she jumps and bangs around in her crib but I think she actually likes it. I tried to convert the crib to a toddler bed recently and she wouldn't even go near it. Won't sit still long enough to fall asleep somewhere she's not 'confined'. God, give me the strength!
One word " Melatonin" it saved usThere IS a need for sleep. There just isn't a good way for your daughter to get to sleep. First, check with an autism medical specialist first. Then start trying to resent your daughter's sleep clock by waking her 15 minutes earlier. Increase that to half an hour the next week, etc. She will be cranky, but it will help at night. Also, make sure she is put to bed in the same place with the same sorts of clothes and the same routine. Don't keep switching things around. Check with the doctor first, but using Melatonin can help immensely. Search melatonin on this site for lots of input on it. I don't believe that the "soft" interventions you have used can address the sleep issues of an ASD child. Melatonin is used widely and works in many, many cases. You BOTH need sleep.