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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Movement Disorder
Question: Dear doctor, my 3.5 year old son, has a thrashing time whilst sleeping. My partner and I have little sleep from his feet and head and arms. We've tried sleeping alongside him,as his cot / bed was constantly banging. Our son never wakes during this. Except when he's fallen out of bed ( even with guards ,cushions,pillows) he's a healthy inquisitive child. Any advice would most appreciated. Much appreciated XXXX.
Brief Answer:
Sleep movement disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to the HCM
I understand your concerns. Your child seems to be suffering from sleep movement disorder.
I would recommend you the following to help him have a better sleep pattern,
1. Make sure there is a quiet period before your child goes to bed. Reading, singing, or a warm bath at bed time will be helpful. A regular routine will help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Limit television viewing and video game play before bed.
2. Try to set a consistent schedule for your child and make bedtime the same time every night. The consistency is important.
3. Allow your child to take a favorite XXXXXXX bear, toy, or special blanket to bed each night.Such comforting objects often help children fall asleep–especially if they awaken during the middle of the night.
4. Avoid letting your child sleep with you. This will only make it harder for them to learn to settle down and fall asleep when they are alone.
5. Don't use your child's room for time out or punishments.
6. Healthy communication is always useful to relieve mild anxieties which might be leading to disturbed sleep.
Since you have not visited any doctor for this condition as mentioned, I would also like to suggest you a sleep EEG to rule out a neurological cause to the problem. You can upload the report for my review in follow up.
Also sometimes following could be the reasons leading to a disturbed sleep pattern:
1. Any psychological stressers from family environment or the environment in day care centers.
2. If he is thrashing in sleep more than twice daily, then anxiety disorder can be an underlying problem.
No medications are needed at present. Do not take any over the counter sleep inducing drugs.
Many a times this problem resolves as the child grow up.
For further questions, do follow us.
Take care
Sleep movement disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to the HCM
I understand your concerns. Your child seems to be suffering from sleep movement disorder.
I would recommend you the following to help him have a better sleep pattern,
1. Make sure there is a quiet period before your child goes to bed. Reading, singing, or a warm bath at bed time will be helpful. A regular routine will help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Limit television viewing and video game play before bed.
2. Try to set a consistent schedule for your child and make bedtime the same time every night. The consistency is important.
3. Allow your child to take a favorite XXXXXXX bear, toy, or special blanket to bed each night.Such comforting objects often help children fall asleep–especially if they awaken during the middle of the night.
4. Avoid letting your child sleep with you. This will only make it harder for them to learn to settle down and fall asleep when they are alone.
5. Don't use your child's room for time out or punishments.
6. Healthy communication is always useful to relieve mild anxieties which might be leading to disturbed sleep.
Since you have not visited any doctor for this condition as mentioned, I would also like to suggest you a sleep EEG to rule out a neurological cause to the problem. You can upload the report for my review in follow up.
Also sometimes following could be the reasons leading to a disturbed sleep pattern:
1. Any psychological stressers from family environment or the environment in day care centers.
2. If he is thrashing in sleep more than twice daily, then anxiety disorder can be an underlying problem.
No medications are needed at present. Do not take any over the counter sleep inducing drugs.
Many a times this problem resolves as the child grow up.
For further questions, do follow us.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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