Sleep

Does anyone have any suggestions before I lose my mind… My daughter is more than likely on the spectrum. We have a referral to CDC but we are waiting for appointments. We have recently encountered a massive issue with sleep, it’s never been a problem before. I’m exhausted, I’m pregnant and at the end of the pregnancy now. I’m being induced next weekend so I’m pretty certain that this is the cause, but honestly I don’t know what else I can do, it’s been a 3 hour routine to get her to sleep every night which results in me not being able to take my night time mental health medication. I’ve had a huge anxiety attack today… I physically cannot take anymore and I don’t know what else to do. I’ve tried lots of things like: - cuddling her to sleep and then putting her to bed. - laying on her bed with her. - sitting on her bedroom floor next to her stroking her hair. - just sitting next to her. - bought a nightlight. - she has a tonie box which I put on for her quietly. - taking her into my bed with me. I honestly don’t know what else to try, I’ve not changed anything in her nighttime routine recently and it’s completely random. This started 3 night ago, so really not that long ago but I’m at my whits end now. I’m 36 weeks pregnant, I have preeclampsia and blood clots so I’m pretty poorly too and I’m really struggling. Please someone l tell me this will end?

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Hi love, I went through the same thing with my son he’s 7 now and a good sleeper now tbh, so it does get better but takes time. I found that if my son was overtired he just couldn’t wind down and get to sleep still now if he’s woken way too early in the morning and then doesn’t settle till late he will struggle and sometimes I will go in and cuddle him, I’m not sure how old your daughter is but what time are you starting to settle her and what time is she waking up? Also is he waking through the night? If she can’t self settle try a sensory video on YouTube, there’s one where is just a fish swimming and the screen dims as time goes on

Hi, I’m so sorry your feeling like this. I totally get it. My daughter is 4 and has just been diagnosed with autism and she never used to sleep. She has got better now. I use a red night light as I read it helps with sleep. She also has magnesium supplements (not sure if that’s suitable for you due to age) but we put her to bed with her toys and she. She was crying we would settle her and then leave. Now she just goes to bed by herself and settles u til she sleeps. Playing with her toys. But from 0-2 her sleep was awful. So hang in there mamma. 🥰

She turns 3 in May. She’s recently dropped her daytime naps completely. We aim to get her into bed for around 7:30. I’ve always looked out for her tired cues, so generally her wind down and bedtime routine starts from 6:30. She will occasionally wake in the night but it’s usually for her nappy changed and she will then go straight back to sleep on her own. But normally once she’s asleep that will be it until anywhere between 6 and 8am. It’s just been the last few days, she’s been relentless. It’s taken 3 and a half hours to get to sleep and then she’s waking up 3-4 hours later and won’t go back to sleep for over an hour.

@Jayne I’ll have to check to see if I can set her nightlight to just red. I’ll speak with the doctor to see if there is anything I could give her, even if it is over the counter stuff to just try and help her. She goes to bed with all her favourite teddies and blankets. Her rubbish sleep has just come at the worst possible time haha! Hopefully it’s just temporary.

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