[JeanLynn81]

As you probably know by now, I've had alot of stress and haven't been sleeping alot. Well, Miss Alyssa has picked up on this. For the past week she has only been sleeping about 5 hours at night and 2 hours during the day. It can't be good for her!

I called her therapist, who wants me to talk to her pediatrician about sending her to a sleep clinic. Has anyone done this before? Do you all really think this is necessary? I mean, its only been a week like this, and with all the stress around here, who could blame her, right? Should I wait to see if it improves, or "nip it in the bud" right here and now?

[angelic_ky]

personally i would wait... kids are very sensitive so i wouldn't be surprise if it's just from everything that is going on... does she have all her teeth? Gabby's sleep becomes unsettled when she is teething

[mollymae]

I would wait. It's normal for toddlers to change their sleep patterns and in my experience after a couple of weeks they get better again. Try to have a very solid bedtime routine (i've found this even more important with Josh because of his language delays) then she'll know what's expected of her. Do you still have her in bed with you?

[JeanLynn81]

does she have all her teeth?

Yes...thankfully! And no cavities either. But you may be onto something...that maybe she isn't feeling well? There's been to fever or crankiness but I can call the pedi to get her checked out anyways.

Do you still have her in bed with you?

*sigh* Yes but its no longer a choice! We share a room and she has her own bed now, but she always winds up in mine anyways. I know its not ideal, but it has to work for now.

My brother is being really super nice and watching Alyssa for my birthday so I can go out tonight...but honestly, I think I'd rather sleep!!!! This is just exhausting.

[mollymae]

Oh I completely understand, but I wondered if your stress was meaning you weren't sleeping peacefully and your distrubing her sleep pattern?

[JeanLynn81]

Jo you are right...I am not sleeping peacefully. Me, my brother and my dad take turns watching over my mother. But then, when its not my "turn" I am constantly by the intercom and sleeping lightly just in case she should need me.

Then Alyssa....well she's two. What more need I say? She really is a darling girl, but has her moments. Apparently somewhere along the way she has gotten a little bit spoiled, and me and my mother have conflicting views on how she should be disciplined. Its hard to try and hold her in time out while my mom is yelling down the steps "Just smack her behind!!!" Its a funny scene now, but stressful at the time. Alyssa screeches so loud that she shuts my hearing aids down. Not even kidding! I have to remove and replce the battery. Its insane.

Hmmmm....this venting is helping a bit though. I think I will go out for a few drinks tonight. I need it!

[angelic_ky]

enjoy yourself tonight, hopefully it's a phase and she will be sleeping normally again

[Samual]

I would be leaving the batteries out of the hearing aids! She is probably picking up on your stress and following a similar sleeping pattern to you at the moment, along as she doesn't seem to be overly tired a lot I wouldn't worry.

[mcmama]

Yeah, I think she is a smart little cookie who knows something is going on. You're restless, she's restless.

Really, I have to wonder at doctors who want to turn EVERYTHING into a clinical study.