My three year old is suddenly napping multiple times a day, this isn't normal is it?

Awkwardispute · 2021-07-14T17:01:06+00:00

He sleeps 10 hours at night. He only used to nap once in the day for an hour or so but now he wants to go to bed 2-3 times in the day when not at nursery. He's nonverbal autistic so can't tell me why he's so tired but he doesn't appear unwell. We all had a cold a couple of weeks ago but that's long gone. Thoughts?

ineedaholidaynow · 14/07/2021 18:04

Is he drinking more, weeing more?

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 18:07

@ineedaholidaynow

Is he drinking more, weeing more?

No obvious increase in either no.

I'm going to call the GP in the morning and ask for blood tests but trying to get past the receptionists is murder.

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ineedaholidaynow · 14/07/2021 18:10

Do they have an online system where you can request to speak to a doctor/nurse? So bypass the receptionist

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 18:13

@ineedaholidaynow

Do they have an online system where you can request to speak to a doctor/nurse? So bypass the receptionist

Unfortunately not, you have to ring at 8am and it's a battle to get through to even the receptionists as everybody is calling at once.

Then you explain the problem to the receptionist if you're lucky enough to get through and most of the time you'll be told there are no appointments left and to try again the next day.

Nightmare.

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Billandben444 · 14/07/2021 19:04

I'd follow your gut instincts as you know this is out of character. I pushed and pushed for my 4yr-old nearly 40 years ago. He'd always slept a lot and still had 2 naps a day so when other 'oddities' appeared I became a tiger mum as the gp dismissed it all. Eventually, a general x-ray (taken to keep me quiet!) identified a tumour that occupied half his lung cavity and it was successfully removed. I'm in no way suggesting you'll have the same outcome but please push and push until you get an answer that you find acceptable. Good luck with the gp - the first hurdle!

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 19:46

@Billandben444

I'd follow your gut instincts as you know this is out of character. I pushed and pushed for my 4yr-old nearly 40 years ago. He'd always slept a lot and still had 2 naps a day so when other 'oddities' appeared I became a tiger mum as the gp dismissed it all. Eventually, a general x-ray (taken to keep me quiet!) identified a tumour that occupied half his lung cavity and it was successfully removed. I'm in no way suggesting you'll have the same outcome but please push and push until you get an answer that you find acceptable. Good luck with the gp - the first hurdle!

Thank goodness he had you to advocate for him, that's terrifying. Your poor son.

I'll definitely push for a thorough investigation, I'll not be able to relax until anything sinister is ruled out.

Like many ASD children he has a very restricted diet and won't touch fruit or vegetables, I try to get vitamins into him the form of chewables but I wouldn't be surprised if he's deficient in something.

Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

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FadedRed · 14/07/2021 19:49

Could he be anaemic? I’m not impressed at a GP practice that doesn’t see poorly children as soon as possible.

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:01

@FadedRed

Could he be anaemic? I’m not impressed at a GP practice that doesn’t see poorly children as soon as possible.

I really don't know, it's entirely possible.

I want everything ruled out. I hope it's straight forward getting him an appointment as it hasn't been for myself or OH.

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Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:03

It's strange because when he is awake (like now) he's full of beans and his usual self.

Jumping, running around, up to mischief.

It has just been this past few days he's announcing "want bed" 2-3 times during the day and that's it, he'll be asleep for atleast an hour.

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WentworthPrison · 14/07/2021 20:04

Long Covid?

beccahamlet · 14/07/2021 20:07

Have you noticed any other cyclical behaviour patterns? E.g. sleepy then lively. I mean for 2/3 week stretches?

Onehotmess · 14/07/2021 20:08

Could it be the heat?

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:11

I had covid last year and he had a day of mild symptoms so almost certainly got it from me then but was absolutely fine after. This is a very recent change in him, the last 3 says.

I test weekly now for work and have had no further positives so don't think it's likely he's had it again.

No other new cyclical behaviour patterns no, and I do tend to be on the ball with him and wouldn't likely miss anything as he's not able to communicate well so I'm very much 'that parent' that jumps on things straight away.

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Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:12

Heat.. it's certainly possible.

Our place gets so humid in the summer regardless of having the windows open.

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Zebee · 14/07/2021 20:16

Tell the receptionist he has symptoms of diabetes and needs an urgent appointment. Hopefully it isn’t but should make them give you a quick appointment.

Cuwins · 14/07/2021 20:41

As he has autism could it be more of a symptom of being overwhelmed? I work with children with special needs and have known several over the years who will sleep either when they are overwhelmed from a sensory point of view or as a way of opting out of something they don’t want to do. Bed/his room could feel like a safe space to him.

MaxwellsChocolate · 14/07/2021 20:46

My daughter was like this at a similar age. After four weeks I pushed and we ended up in hospital. Turns out that she REALLY struggles to fight off viruses and that leads to all sorts of complications at times. Definitely trust your instincts.

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:55

I will say that Zebedee, thank you.

Cuwins, that's a good question and point.

He knew DSC were coming over, and went back to sleep when they were here. He does find it overwhelming with everybody under one roof so that could be it too - at least today.

I'll see if a pattern emerges.

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Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 20:56

@MaxwellsChocolate

My daughter was like this at a similar age. After four weeks I pushed and we ended up in hospital. Turns out that she REALLY struggles to fight off viruses and that leads to all sorts of complications at times. Definitely trust your instincts.

Oh bless her I'm sorry to hear that. Mothers intuition is rarely wrong I've found.

I hope she's ok now?

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tsmainsqueeze · 14/07/2021 21:16

@Awkwardispute

I will say that Zebedee, thank you.

Cuwins, that's a good question and point.

He knew DSC were coming over, and went back to sleep when they were here. He does find it overwhelming with everybody under one roof so that could be it too - at least today.

I'll see if a pattern emerges.

Don't wait for a pattern ,you need to see a gp asap . Make the receptionist know that you will not be fobbed off for a 3 year old child. I am a fairly calm mom and never one to run to a and e at the drop of a hat but in your circumstance if gp refuses to see him i would be going to a and e . Hope you get sorted soon .

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 21:25

Oh I've no intention of doing a watch and wait approach, I'll be chasing the GP first thing in the morning and insisting I want him seen.

The seeing whether a pattern emerges will be something I do alongside / once anything serious is ruled out.

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Billandben444 · 14/07/2021 21:31

Happy chasing in the morning! I hope you're able to come back with an update at some stage and you get to the bottom of it.

Original poster

Awkwardispute · 14/07/2021 22:01

Thanks Bill and everybody else, I appreciate the replies.

I will update when there is anything to update

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My three year old is suddenly napping multiple times a day, this isn't normal is it?

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