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Parenting & Farm Kids:  Insomnia in young kids  |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 06 2021 : 10:50:20 AM
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Anyone have any experience with insomnia in young children? Everleigh has struggled with sleep for the last year but the last 2 months have become even harder. She will wake up numerous times a night and wake us up. We discovered that when we would send her back to bed she wasn’t going to sleep. We put up a trail cam in her room to see if we could catch some of it and found she was up an average of 8 times a night. And it’s really taking a toll on her attitude. Does anyone have experience with this and could give me some tips on how to help her sleep more?
Krista |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2021 : 10:48:47 AM
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Bless her heart and yours, too!!! How old is Everleigh, if you don't mind me asking?
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.blog |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2021 : 11:48:19 AM
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Amanda she is 3. She won’t be 4 until April.
Krista |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2021 : 07:26:55 AM
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Based on the advise that our very own magazine physician, Dr. Laura Koniver, has given us over time, how about trying:
-grounding (this is the most important thing, especially now that it's winter and children aren't outside everyday sitting with bare legs on the ground or walking barefoot or hugging a calf that is grounded to the earth)
-magnesium (perhaps some very low dose pediatric magnesium gummy bears or an Epsom salt bath prior to bed)
-Vit. D (try some first morning light on her face, 20 minutes, or invest in a lightbox)
-a trampoline!!! (my kids growing up and now my grandkids all have trampolines they hop onto, even in the winter--daily exercise is essential, plus it's a good way for them to get some sunshine/Vit. D)
-no blue light after dinner (no smartphones, tablets, tv--that blue light can really mess with the brain's wiring--the brain thinking that it's the middle of the day when it's not)
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
2991 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
2991 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2021 : 5:40:53 PM
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I'm sorry to hear of this struggle for you and Everleigh! I don't have any experience personally, but a friend of a friend had good luck with a chiropractor for their little one. May be something to look into.
~Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
September 2014 Farmgirl of the Month
"The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment" - Yogi teabag
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2021 : 1:40:51 PM
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MaryJane, we have cut out the blue light for a bit now. We also have a trampoline but we haven’t been using it since it’s been cold. I’ll move it into the garage so it’s warmer for her. I do have some epsom salt. I’ll give her a bath with that tonight. And I’ll look more into this grounding. I’ll make sure she gives Finny some extra hugs when we are out there.
Thanks for the tip Heather. I’ll have to look into it because I haven’t really been a fan of chiropractors. But I’m willing to consider everything to help her out.
Krista |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
2991 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
2991 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2021 : 6:34:34 PM
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I just went to the chiropractor for the first time in my life on Wednesday. I wasn't sold on all the popping and cracking stuff but I found a chiropractor that does a technique called torque release chiropractic. They use a tool and it's very gentle and very specific. My back did pop once while he was adjusting me, but it wasn't even as bad of a pop as when I stretch at home. I would feel comfortable with this method being used on my kids if I had any.
Just another thought - have you tried any of the soothing noises while she sleeps like ocean waves or gentle rain? I'm a light sleeper and if there's any kind of noise (like wind, my husband snoring, or the cows outside doing something) it wakes me up. I've found that having a fan on low helps.
~Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
September 2014 Farmgirl of the Month
"The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment" - Yogi teabag
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Dec 13 2021 : 1:34:51 PM
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Heather, she does have a radio in her room that plays classical music. We don’t put it on repeat but she’s aloud to turn it on when she wakes up. Maybe an ocean waves one would be nice. I could see leaving that on all night since it’s not songs. Thank you!
Krista |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Dec 21 2021 : 1:26:43 PM
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I am kind of late chiming in,, but,, don't forget Lavender... a light spritz on her pillow before bedtime... or if she sleeps with a stuff toy ie: teddy bear you can spritz it with lavender EO (not the fake lavender scent room sprays)...
Maybe you can make a lavender sachet 'envelope' and tuck it inside her pillow case.
Also, my daughter occasionally gives her kids Melatonin chewys when they are over stimulated or as I call it, "can't shut the brain off".
Hopefully one or a combination off all the above super advice from the ladies here will help Everleigh to be able to rest and sleep through the night.
Oh and something else I just read,, to much salt, especially before bed time can disrupt the sleep cycle.. and make her have to go tinkle through the night which will wake her and disrupt her sleep.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Edited by - katmom on Dec 21 2021 1:28:41 PM |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2021 : 12:57:04 PM
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Thanks Grace. She has a warmie that use to have a lavender scent to it but it’s no longer there and I’m bummed. I didn’t think of making my own lol. I’ll have to give that a try. We have been trying some of the melatonin as well. It’s helped a little but the thing is melatonin is meant to help fall asleep not stay asleep and staying asleep is our problem. She has me stressing over how Christmas Eve is going to go. I have been implementing almost all of these suggestions and she still wakes at least once or twice. She is a stinker!
Krista |
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Carely
Farmgirl in Training
30 Posts
Carrie
Brookville
IN
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2022 : 4:13:20 PM
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I know I'm two months late to this conversation, but I'm wondering, what kind of bed is she in? Our kiddo was in a toddler bed that had transitioned from a crib, but at 2 1/2 he was doing the same thing, up every night, numerous times and wide awake. I moved him into a standard twin (if we had the room it would have been full) and that with a very strict bedtime routine (7 pm - 6:45 am, his daddy left with him at 7 to go to the babysitters). We also stopped food and drink after dinner at 5. These seemed to work for a while, but at 4 we got an early adhd diagnosis, at bedtime each night I give him melatonin and a low dose of methyl folate (we found he has the same gene-mutation I have - mthfr, we don't absorb folic acid). I have found since then, he rarely wakes at night, and if he does, it's a bad dream. Good luck, this is a tough phase to go through.
Carrie
Farmgirl #8358
Member since March 23, 2021.
Rural Farmgirl dreaming of having a mini-farm of my own.
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Apr 01 2022 : 12:54:50 PM
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Carrie, we had her in a toddler bed that was transitioned from a crib but we moved her to a twin the end of February because we needed the crib for the baby. We have kept her on a strict bedtime for months now, started her on melatonin awhile ago, gave her a new stuffed animal that we said would watch over her while she slept and would do the worrying for her, and she uses a grounding bed roll. We still had 1 night waking once all that was in place but once baby arrived she no longer wakes at night. Her pediatrician said her night wakings were anxiety induced and we needed to figure out what it was. We now know it had to do with my pregnancy and the fact a baby was coming. It’s amazing how change can affect children so much. I’m just so grateful she is feeling better now. I’m glad you were able to figure what your little one needed. It is definitely a tough phase to go through.
Krista |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2022 : 4:22:35 PM
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*Update*
We are almost a year out from my original question and we have finally figured out what's wrong. Even though all the suggestions given have helped her and it seemed to improve a little we returned to the struggles again. Her pediatrician was able to help us learn that she actually has sleep apnea due to very large tonsils. She was seen today by a specialist and will go in for surgery on Monday. I feel terrible and wish we could have discovered this sooner. The surgery should have a huge impact and make everything better for her. Makes my mom heart very nervous.
Krista |
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Jokamartell
True Blue Farmgirl
1410 Posts
Karen
Kennewick
WA
USA
1410 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2022 : 6:06:24 PM
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Krista, I’m so glad you got some answers today. I will be praying for you and your daughter. Our mom hearts are so strong. Sending good thoughts your way. Hugs! :)
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
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Dreamer42
True Blue Farmgirl
2680 Posts
April
Central
Oregon
USA
2680 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2022 : 09:36:54 AM
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Awe, don't feel bad Krista, you were able to find the culprit, that's good news! I hope she heals quickly from surgery, spoil her with lots of popcicles, icecream and jello!! Give her an extra squeeze for me!
Dreamer42
Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
2991 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
2991 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2022 : 11:20:20 AM
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I'm happy to hear you were able to figure out what was wrong! I hope you'll all be sleeping wonderfully soon :)
~Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
September 2014 Farmgirl of the Month
"The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment" - Yogi teabag
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Audra Rose
True Blue Farmgirl
2204 Posts
Vanessa
Brooksville
KY
USA
2204 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2022 : 04:35:35 AM
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Krista, you and your husband are caring parents and I'm sure all your children feel your love for them. No parent is perfect, there are so many variables in this world. As the Beatles said, Love is all you need!
Vanessa
Farmgirl Sister #6754
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2022 : 2:38:21 PM
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Thank you all for making me feel better. I think I'm more nervous than anyone else. She knows that she is going in to have them out and that it will hurt a little but that's it. She's more upset that she won't be able to go to dance for a week lol! I don't want to worry or scare her. She is brave and strong.
Krista |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9237 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9237 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2022 : 6:23:12 PM
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Prayers for her and you Krista!
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2022 : 2:57:41 PM
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Surgery went good and she is doing much better than anticipated. Thank you all. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery.
Krista |
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Jokamartell
True Blue Farmgirl
1410 Posts
Karen
Kennewick
WA
USA
1410 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2022 : 3:48:38 PM
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Praises to God for a successful surgery! Thank you Krista for updating us. Would it be ok to send her some happy mail?:)
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
Edited by - Jokamartell on Oct 24 2022 6:30:57 PM |
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Dreamer42
True Blue Farmgirl
2680 Posts
April
Central
Oregon
USA
2680 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2022 : 3:58:20 PM
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So wonderful to hear things went better as expected... hopefully she can start sleeping through the night soon. Extra squeezes to your brave little girl!! xo
Dreamer42
Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6685 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6685 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2022 : 12:34:53 PM
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Monday night was a rough night for her. She had some side effects from the anesthesia. She woke up about an hour after going to bed very upset saying she wanted to go home. No matter how much I told her she was at home she didn’t believe me. I spoke with the nurse the next morning and she said that it’s very common for children to become confused up to 24 hours later. It was pretty scary.
Karen, thank you. Yes she would love that.
Thank you April. Other then the pain her appetite and sleep have already become better.
Krista |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: Insomnia in young kids |
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Insomnia in young kids
