Sleep

Sleep problems are one of the many frustrations that parents of children with Sanfilippo experience.  For some reason, many MPS kids have difficulty falling, staying and going back to sleep.  

Waverly used to be a WONDERFUL sleeper.  Until she was about 3, she would go to bed at 8 and wake up at 8.  Plus, take a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.  No fussing - she loved sleep.  Then, she started coming out a lot when we would lay her down or she would wake up in the middle of the night and come into our room.  For over a year, Matt and I got very little sleep.  We would fight with her, putting her back in her bed over and over again all night long.  It was exhausting.  I researched how to handle this problem and followed the "Super Nanny" approach.  NOTHING worked!!  Finally we succumbed to just laying with her until she fell asleep and then allowing her to climb into our bed when she woke in the middle of the night.

Since we started laying with her and letting her come into our room, we have all slept so much better.  The down side is that Matt and I have must less time together at night.  This past week, Wavey has been having difficulty again.  She took 2.5 to fall asleep last night, leaving Matt and I with very little time before we needed to head off to bed.  I am hoping that tonight goes better - Matt is in there with her now.  I am hoping this may just be because she is sick with a cold and not a new phase that we are entering into.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Oh Shannon I am so sorry to hear that Waverly has been having sleep difficulties. I really feel for you. Hannah has never been a good sleeper. I don't know how she can run on such little sleep. From what I understand from some of the other mom's this is part of our children's condition. We tried giving her some melatonin to help her sleep, but it only worked fr the first week. Maybe you could ask her doctor about it and see if he has any ideas on what you can do. For us they think Hannah may have sleep apnea so I do not feel comfortable giving her any medication until we know what is going on. I hope it gets better for you. You all need you sleep. trust me I know how you are feeling. If you ever need to talk I am here for you.
Christine said…
Sleep issues are always so big. I will be praying about this. It takes a toll when Mommy and Daddy aren't getting enough sleep and there aren't enough relatives around to relieve you and allow you to nap.
Anonymous said…
I have to healthy children and sleep is a big issue for us! My three year old comes in our bed almost every night at some point in time and we have a 7 month old that still has not figured out how to sleep through the night. Being an adult, I just don't understand why kids don't want to sleep :) I would love to have a day someone told me to go to bed and take a nap!! Just wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you...at 2am :)

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