Friday, September 11, 2009

Sleeping



Niko is six, and he goes to bed at 10:00, 11:00, or even later. We've done the calming nighttime routine. It didn't work. It's never worked. We did the bath before bed, reading stories, snuggling, songs, prayers...the whole shebang. He wouldn't even yawn. He'd pop right out of bed, completely awake. Many nights we'd drag him off to bed with us because it was 10:30 and we were exhausted. He'd only seem to lie down if we were there to forcibly make him. After he was asleep, we'd carry him back to bed. He'd wake up and crawl in with us. Once, twice, three times. It didn't matter how many times we carried him back to bed, he'd crawl in again. And then he'd kick all night. Move around. He's the only other person I've ever met who has nights exactly like I do.


Dr. Morris said that this is a common Williams problem and that we should supplement his body with over the counter Melatonin. Make sure it's a pharmaceutical Melatonin, and doesn't have the word "bovine" on there. Apparently his body doesn't produce the amount that he needs (if any) and that's why he has always had such a horrible time sleeping! His body just doesn't know that it's time to wind down. So we followed her advice...that very night, in fact. We crush it up and slip it surreptitiously into his milk half an hour before bedtime.


For the last three nights, Niko has fallen asleep at either 8:30 or 9:00. He sleeps through the night (except for a quick jaunt around the house last night at 2:30, but the neighbors were uncommonly loud, I must admit) and he wakes up happy. He plays before going to school. He's less irritable and seems to have a longer attention span.


Also, Luke and I put our kids down and then we actually have...time. Time to watch a movie, time to write (time to write! Yay!), time to hold hands and act like a real couple. We haven't had this time for the last six years. I knew that some parents put their small children down and did things like writing letters. Making cards. Crafting, reading, taking a bath uninterrupted. I just never thought this would be us. :)


I wish that I had learned this earlier. I simply never knew.

15 comments:

Andrea, Mrs. said...

Sadie! That is beautiful news! Woot!

Hooray!

Man...I am so glad that that Williams expert and you have finally connected. I hope things continue to be beneficial to both of you. This is GREAT!

carly said...

That is great he can finally get some sleep! And for you two to have time together...priceless. I'm so happy for you!

Tes said...

DANG IT GIRL!! I am so sorry I never realized you did not know about melatonin, I never knew you were having such sleep issues. aawww i love melatonin, it has been our friend for many years. Some nights i do not have to give it to her but I can always tell when she is too hyped and will need it. I am so happy that this is working for him, he deserves to be rested and happy. Mucho hugs!

Katie said...

I'm so glad it worked so well. And a little disturbed at the thought of "bovine" melatonin. Is there a factory farm somewhere of sleepless cows who've had all the melatonin sucked out of their brains? Or do people actually use the melatonin ON cows...why would you do that?! I guess that's one problem you don't have to worry about. Happy sleeping!

Noel said...

I have yet to try it with Abi but it is in our very near future! I am not that bothered by her sleep patterns( only because she doesn't want to see with mom and dad she wants to sleep with her siblings) thankfully she has a few to choose from because she will never be in the same bed two nights in a row and I can't tell you the last time she slept in her bed. The other kids don't mind though so it is not that big of a deal. They all sleep like rocks anyway so they don't even notice her. My only fear now is that she ventures from the upstairs where the bedrooms are now. So melatonin here we come!

So glad that you are getting some time to yourself and some time with your hubby!

Elise said...

I am so, so happy for you. Here's to many more enlightening discoveries!

Laura Oler said...

Yay! You probably need the evening break even more than the rest of us. And maybe you should try some of that melatonin for your sleepless nights. Who can say no to a good night of sleep?! I hope the specialists continue to have great help for you. It's frustrating you didn't learn this earlier, but at least you can enjoy it now!

Rachel said...

Oh, your good news always makes me cry! In a good way, of course :) I thought I understood sleepless nights, but WOW, my friend. Wow. I am delighted for you.

Also? Obediah Parker singing "Hey Ya" on your playlist = awesome. I just woke up from a dream where I played Outkast in Primary.

Jeff and Ali said...

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! We were so relieved to hear how well the appt. went. What a blessing to finally have some direction. We are sooo happy for both you and Niko. He is so special and you are special for being his mother. We hope that things continue to progress!! We love you guys!

Belkycita said...

NICE!!!
I love how the Lord blesses us more even when we think things won't change.
I am SO happy for you!

Nancy said...

Awesome! I am glad you found something that works. We are lucky in that Erik is really regular on a normal schedule. I remember the old days, though. Screaming. Screaming. More screaming. But reflux medication was what changed our world and led to sleep for him. Congrats. Enjoy being a couple again!

LMS said...

What a blessing for all of you!

Mercedes said...

Thanks so much for your well-wishes, you guys! :D

camille said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry you never knew. Melatonin has changed our life. And if we forget to give it to him, he never goes to sleep. He has been taking it since he was 9 months old and it was one of our best decisions ever for him. Amazing that a little pill can do THAT much!

Cortney said...

Hey there,
Just found your blog. Can totally relate to the sleeping thing. My son Machiah is 2.5yrs and has Williams syndrome. We have just given in and let him act like an adult some nights. Keeping him up to party with us. I have heard about melatonin but have not tried it yet. Hes on a pretty good schedule some nights but since I am in school in the evenings when I get home at 10 he automatically wakes up. I am looking to see if this resolves when I am finished in December. But if not melatonin here we come.
Good Luck!