Getting older children to sleep by themselves

My eight year old diagnosed with SPD won't sleep by herself. She says she is afraid. I can get her to fall asleep by herself if I sit in the chair and read while she falls asleep. Then after about three hours she wakes up and I have to get in bed with her. Otherwise she won't fall back asleep. Please advise.



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Dec 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		routine works best for us...
by: Anonymous

I also have an eight year old girl with SPD. We have to keep a strick routine when it comes to bed time or she freaks out into crying fits. WE start with a shower then after brushing teeth go upstairs to read a book. Then the light goes off and I have to rub her head and hair away from her face while I sing for about 20 mins. She also sleeps with a heavy fuzzy blanket. We also have to keep a small fan running for the white noise. I think the trick is to keep the routine the same every night. That along with addressing all of her sensory issues help her to go to sleep. (ect.. the face rub, heavy weighted blanket, and fan for noise). With help from OT I have been doing this since she was 2 1/2 when she would only sleep 2 hours at a time. I am happy to say she now sleeps about 7 hours a night.
Good luck.
Nov 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		8 year old and sleep
by: Janice

I also have an 8 year old, but a boy. I have to give him a message on his upper and lower arms, and his calves (his feet too, but I don't think it helps - may stimulate him). I use a stretching method...literally wrap your had around his arm below the shoulder, for example, and pull you hand down the muscle in a stretching motion. I am sure this is related to joint compressions that is suggested by OT's, but it totally relaxes him. I don't do the thighs...too sensitive. Check out how to do joint compressions...but also try this method. It is really a miracle for the whole family when a SPD child stays in their own bed all night. I think nightly rituals work and alot of weighted covers. Lastly, I run my fingers through his short hair...head massages is very helpful as well. Hope this helps, all the best. Janice

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