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November 23, 2016

All the sleep advice on Google was just not working for Rose; her baby was still waking every 2 hours.

Ben started to sleep throughAll the sleep advice on Google was just not working for Rose; her baby was still waking every 2 hours.

Rose was exhausted searching the internet for help on her son’s sleep problem; she felt she had tried everything to help her 7 month old son, Ben sleep better. He had regressed from waking twice a night at 3 months to waking every 2 hours at least as a 6 month old.

What if it’s not just a sleep problem?

Rose felt she had read everything about sleep and tried several different sleep training techniques with Ben as described in books and on reputable internet sites with no success whatsoever.  The sleep deprivation was having a huge impact upon family life and Rose couldn’t find a way to make it better, “we were losing confidence in being able to deal with Ben at night” and she started to worry that it might not just be a sleep problem.

I need to speak to a health professional

Rose felt that she needed to find a sleep consultant with a medical background who would have the experience to tackle Ben’s frequent waking issue.  “The website suggested that techniques used by Millpond were the most up to date and evidence based, and that Millpond trained NHS staff, so we would be getting help from reputable, highly qualified people”.

Underlying medical issue identified

Rose started working on her consultant’s plan for Ben and she found her approach supportive and gentle; but most importantly she was able to assure Rose and tell her that Ben’s problem was not just behavioural, but medical. “Juliet was able to point us to where to get help and was very flexible about the timetable, to allow us to seek some medical help before continuing with the sleep training consultations”.

Ben started to sleep through

Rose is now delighted that Ben’s night waking has improved, and he has even slept through for several nights.  Ben still has to see various consultants to get his tummy and skin issues under control, but Rose feels, “we feel more confident about identifying what he needs if he wakes at night and we know there is an end in sight”.

 

Filed Under: All, Our families success stories Tagged With: conflicting advice, frequent night waking, health professionals, rocked to sleep, sleep advice, sleep associations, sleep regression

November 16, 2016

What you need to know about sleepwalking in children

What you need to know about sleepwalking in chlidren
What you need to know about sleepwalking in children

Seven things you need to know about sleepwalking in children

Like adults, children go through various stages of sleep each night. The transition between these stages can cause a child to partially wake.  It is at these times that they are susceptible to various forms of sleep disturbance such as sleepwalking.  

Sleepwalking is often one of the most concerning sleep disturbances for parents, because of the perceived risk of your child injuring herself while moving around in the night.  In fact, the risk is relatively low and can be decreased further by taking a few simply safety precautions.

1. When does sleepwalking occur?

Sleepwalking normally occurs an hour after bedtime when we have our deep sleep.

2. Why does it occur?

Sleepwalking often runs in families and although it can be alarming for parents, sleep disturbances are a normal developmental stage through which most children pass unharmed.

3. Should I wake my child from a sleepwalk?

Sleepwalking usually occurs when your child has entered deep non-REM sleep.  Sleep during the first third of the night is very difficult to be woken from and your child will be very disorientated and confused if you try to wake her.  It is best not to intervene, as waking her may upset her.  It is best to simply guide your child gently back to bed and stay in the room whilst she settles.

4. Does diet have an impact?

Foods that are high in sugar can contribute to factors leading to sleepwalking.

5. What other factors may effect it?

Sleep disturbances such as sleepwalking can be exacerbated by sleep deprivation, so ensuring your child gets enough sleep will help.

6. How can I keep my child safe when she sleepwalks?

  • If your child sleepwalks, do not allow her to sleep on the top bunk.
  • Be mindful of trip hazards, keep the floor clear of large toys and other obstacles.
  • Fix a stair gate to the top of the stairs if you have one.
  • Make sure all windows are secure.

7. What can I do to help prevent my child from sleepwalking?

Stirring a child who regularly sleepwalks can often prevent it.  Stir your child 15 minutes before the earliest sleepwalking episode every night for 2 weeks.

Finally, remember sleep disturbances such as sleepwalking are manifestations of a maturing neurological system and most children will have grown out of sleepwalking by the age of six years.

 

    Filed Under: All, Sleep walking Tagged With: anxiety about sleep, conflicting advice, frequent night waking, how do I keep my child safe when she sleep walks, sleep advice, sleep walking

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