This has been a week of much sleep-deprivation. Eva does finally sleep through the night -- until last Sunday, that is. Now she's waking up many times each night, up for the day at or before 6:00 a.m., and has been seriously shunning nap-time. Then, she's cranky most of the time because she's so dang tired! I just want to know: why couldn't I have at least one child who is a good sleeper?!
Every day I find myself wondering if I should take her in to the doctor to get her ears checked. But then she'll go outside, or in the car, or her brothers will play with her, and she's happy as a lark, leading me to believe that this problem is more behavioral than physiological.
I've tried keeping her up longer so that she could have one long nap in the middle of the day (very limited success). I've tried letting her cry. I've tried putting her to bed earlier. I've tried putting her down whenever she seems sleepy (she's instantly awake). I've tried "quiet time" if she won't nap (cry-fest). Anyone got any better ideas?
The only thing that has made any sense to me at all is what Marc came up with tonight: touchpoint. (Anyone read Dr. Brazelton's book?) She seems to be working really hard on language development right now. So maybe, just maybe, her brain is all fired up with this cognitive leap, making it even harder than usual for her to sleep. Then, being sleep-deprived herself, she's cranky when awake. (I know I am.) I don't know if he's right, but I'm clinging to this idea, because it's so much better than the thought of her just being a giant pill!
So what am I doing during these precious hours when she's actually asleep? Staying up late watching disc 1 of Veronica Mars, making a book, and blogging. Brilliant.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
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12 comments:
I hate it that you're being tortured by Eva's lack of sleep. I can't imagine how she can function without napping during the day or getting good chunks of sleep at night, she defies the laws of babyhood! I'm always wishing and praying for good rest for you and yours.
As for staying up late to blog, make a book, and watch Veronica Mars all I can say is woohoo, at least there's something good in your day.
What a pisser! This is when I wish we could just talk sense to our kids and have them listen and understand. I am so sorry that nothing is working- continue to hang in there :(
I think it is somewhat good that you are doing something for you at night- I would feel even more drained without that little piece of sanity. Good luck!
I've been lamenting Lulu's sleep habits as well. Isn't it annoying?
Although- I would gladly trade off sleep for Veronica, books, and blogging.
Having been in a similar situation with Emily many years ago, I would chant this mantra to soothe and encourage myself: "It's just a phase. It will pass. It's just a phase. It will pass. It's just . . . ." And you know what? It was, and it did!
I fortunately don't have that problem yet, but I do remember when John or Sarah would scream at night making it impossible to get a good night's sleep. I hope for your sake Eva moves out of this phase soon!
What a thought about her brain being overloaded with her recent developmental stage...it makes so much sense. I have major sleep issues when I have any kind of anxiety going on in my life and it is the thoughts going on in my head that keep me endlessly and inexplicably awake even when I feel absolutely exhausted. I wonder if it would help or hinder her to have books in her bed with a night light since she seems to adore her books. I guess Dr. Brazelton doesn't think much of Unisom for babies? It doesn't work for me anyway! Best of luck and hopefully sweet dreams for all.
i am a total "let the baby cry" type of mom, and a lot of people don't really like me for it.
but when they are getting older i do always think there could be something wrong, if she is used to sleeping.
hang in there, i like marcs idea, so interesting
well I am so sorry that would be so hard. I think she is learning something or maybe she does have an ear infection, could she possibly be teeting again? Good luck.
I am so sorry that Eva won't sleep. That can be so frustrating. My kids are usually incredible sleepers; however, Devin has just started to give me problems.
About the ear problems -- I just think of poor Max who had hearing problems for 5 years and we had no idea. It's so hard when they can't talk and express their feelings.
What book are you making?
Michelle, when will the sleep torture ever end! It totally sucks that none of the typical pieces of advice are working! My least favorite piece of advice people give about sleeping is directed at mothers--sleep when the baby sleeps! What?! When are we supposed to get anything done, whether it's work or play? I'm glad you're doing things you enjoy. I hope you continue to do so!
Leah's Dr made that point to us when my "perfect" sleeper went AWOL for awhile, that when they learn something major, or working on a new skill, it can screw with their sleep. Once her brain figured things outs, she went back to sleeping well.
Hannah on the other hand...must always be learning something new because she has NEVER slept well.
Veronica Mars...YEAH. I thought I was the only 30 something that watched this show. I have become addicted to it lately.
I feel so pain for you! Henri has always been a good sleeper until the last month and we have been going through hell trying to figure out what to do to make him sleep (through the night, naps, anything!). In fact, I was going to call you one morning in desperation to see if you had any new trick I could try. I've been reading a popular book by Weissbluth (you probably know it) and what he says I use as my mantra, "Sleep begets sleep". I also try Denise's mantra and many, many others in the wee hours of the night when I've tried everything and have just left him to cry (which also doesn't seem to work). I completely agree with Brazelton in that they do have times when they wake more and practice what they are learning... Oh who knows really! But now that I know you are up during the night, I will send you relaxing and positive thoughts as I sit up with Henri too!
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