SLEEPLESS PARENTS
Dear Dr.Bear,
My 9 month old son does very little sleeping. Sometimes he does not even take a nap during the day and then will not sleep all night. He wakes up two - four times a night. I am nursing him and he just recently produced four teeth. I do supplement during the day and he is eating solid foods. Early on he was diagnosed with Reflux. He is not currently taken any medication for the Reflux. I was given a prescription for Tylenol with codiene for the teething and that does not put him to sleep.
I am concern because sleeping is a part of growing and he does not do much sleeping.
Please make some suggestions.
Sincerely,
Sleepless Parents
Dear Sleepless Parents,
This is not uncommon at this age-- sometimes just social awakening to be sure not abandoned
first see your doctor to be sure no reflux persisting- sometimes positioning and antacid will take care of it
second, teething can do it, if boils on the gums?? rubbing benadryl and other over the counter meds can help, also if teeth are bad, sometimes ears can get clogged and painful- are they ok??
third- sleep patterning can help alot- ferber tech.. good books available - needs to take a nap and good regular schedule each and every day- no exceptions-- even on weekends , vacation, and when others visiting regular nap, regular bedtime, regular and unchanging response to waking at nite, never in your bed etc
and finally a trial with Benadryl may relax before bedtime
see you pediatrician and discuss, see him or her regularly til sleeping well-maybe even weekly- it is possible
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
