SPD and Problems Sleeping
One mom writes... "My daughter's SPD and problems sleeping are
driving me nuts!
We have been taking our daughter (8 years old) to OT for sensory issues for
a year now. The OT is absolutely wonderful and so knowledgeable. But the sleep
issue is driving me nuts! Our daughter rarely sleeps through the night and it
seems that the more we try to do for her, the worse it is. Right now, she is
sleeping on the floor of our room in a sleeping bag. We were hoping that she
would be comforted knowing that we were in the room with her and that she would
start a good rhythm of sleeping. But she is still waking up and now is
asking to be in bed with us. Every time we decide that we need to be firm
and consistent, she
will have a nightmare and we are off again. We don't want her to lay awake in
bed being scared, but we need sleep and so does she!
I know that she is not the only one who has difficulty but I don't know how to
help her! Any ideas?"
Ah, SPD and problems sleeping... VERY common indeed.
Because she is already in OT, I feel confident that whatever may be SPD related
will eventually work itself out. What isn't SPD related, if anything, may need
to be addressed in another way. I have a few suggestions for you.
First, I want to say the sleeping bag is a great idea! Any deep pressure input
she can get while sleeping should help. I would also suggest "lining" her sleeping bag with stuffed animals that will "protect" her from her
nightmares. Really though, what it will do is add more deep pressure input to
her body to keep her calm and relaxed. But, it may also help psychologically for
the nightmares.
Next, kids with SPD who have difficulties sleeping often benefit from a
weighted blanket.
The important things to remember when using a weighted blanket is to use EVEN
weight distribution, AND, that he total weight should be 10% of the individual's
body weight plus one pound. For example, a 100 lb person would use an 11 lb.
weighted blanket (10% of 100 = 10lbs, plus 1 lb = 11lbs total weight).
Also, I would suggest you talk to your pediatrician about a
supplement that helps many of our SPD kiddos when they can't fall
asleep or stay asleep, called
Melatonin.
Please do not give it to her without checking with your doctor first!
It shouldn't be harmful in any way, but I do not know your daughter's health
history, so it is necessary to check with her doc first. You can do some
research online beforehand about it. It is a natural biochemical produced in our
bodies during
sleep and sometimes kids need more of it, as their bodies aren't producing
enough. Just do some internet searches about it, then bring that info to your
pediatrician and ask him if you can give it to her sometimes when she is having
a rough time. It is best not to give it to her EVERY night... just once in a
while, just so her body doesn't get "dependant" on it... it is not addictive, it
is just that over time her body may need more for it to be effective.
Since many of the awakenings are happening due to nightmares, I would check out
two other things. One is to get her into counseling to see if there is something
going on that needs to be addressed. It definitely can't hurt!
Also, if this continues, I would get her set up with a sleep specialist, as she
may not be getting the "proper" sleep. Perhaps she is waking up often and is
waking up during REM sleep. That's why she is remembering the nightmares.
Sometimes a sleep evaluation can help rule out other issues.
I would also try an Epsom salts bath at night to help her calm down and relax
for sleep. These work great with a lot of our SPD kiddos. Again, do some
research on that. I can put you in touch with someone who knows a lot about it
if you want.
Oh, one more thing... does she like "white noise"? Try a fan,
white noise machine, or
sound machine . This might help her
stay in a deep sleep and make her feel more comfortable.
Lastly... there are over 1,000 families in our online support group that I KNOW
can help you too. This is a common problem and MANY (if not most) of the parents
of SPD kids have gone through this!! I think you would find great value in the
group. They are there waiting for you... with open arms, great suggestions,
validation, and helpful resources. I highly recommend you join! Here's the link
if you are interested:
SID_DSI_ AllAboutKids.
SPD and problems sleeping? Not uncommon at all!
Have A Discovered Ways To Overcome Sleep Problems With SPD?
If you have any insights, tips, techniques, ideas, experiences and hope about sleep problems in SPD, share it with the readers of Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com
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