3 year old up 'till 3/4am

[Cait73]

Previously pretty good sleeper we're now going to bed but getting up at 11pm staying awake 'till 3/4am

Apart from the obvious effects 2 hours sleep is having on me, he's super grumpy all day because he's tired

He's not had a daytime nap since he turned 2 and he was sleeping 6pm to 6am

Any ideas? I've tried being super boring ie just walking him back to his room, I've tried leaving the radio on quiet I've tried lying with him, anything I do works for 15/20 mins then he's up again

Would he nap at nursery. maybe if some of the other children are. Do they have a sleep room?

Seriously considering the wake to sleep routine

@Changethetoner they have a rest area beanbags and stuff, I'm going to ask instead of playtime after lunch if I send in his blanket or f he could be encouraged to rest

UPDATE antihistamine worked, little man slept 'till 6am, I had a rough night but he's finally got some sleep in the bank, I was wondering how many days to do it for? 2? 3?

@Cait73.
Hi my lovely, how are you today ? Do you work ? I'm hoping not and if not please try and get some sleep when little one is at pre school. Sorry if you have already mentioned this.
My youngest grandson has severe autism and is a nightmare for not sleeping. My poor daughter is exhausted.
I hope you can access some RL support, but if you need us there is usually someone around who will offer a bit of support even if they can't help.
Please keep talking to us if you feel like it. I just wanted to check on you and let you know that you know that you are doing an amazing thing for this little boy.
You are in fact a wonderful person and although you probably don't always feel like it you must learn to take care of yourself. If the dusting gets left for few days who cares ? Put your feet up when he is out, make/buy yourself something lovely to eat (which you must do) and lie on the sofa, watch a film, have the radio on or just try to sleep.
Best wishes. 💐

@Cait73

UPDATE antihistamine worked, little man slept 'till 6am, I had a rough night but he's finally got some sleep in the bank, I was wondering how many days to do it for? 2? 3?

This is brilliant news! I’d use it for 4 days if I were you, to (hopefully) properly get him rested and back into a routine. I know it’s very different but when my DC was waking at 5am for the day I used the wake to sleep technique and it worked, I had to do it every day for a few months, when for others it only took a few days, but it did help and luckily I usually found it easy to go back to sleep when the alarm had gone off to go and wake her slightly. What did the GP say about how many days to use the antihistamine? If you do work, which it sounds like you do, do you have any annual leave you could take to catch up on sleep for a couple of days?

TBH I am reliant on Piriton to help me sleep I still wake up but usually get back to sleep rather than being super alert.

Hopefully a few days will be enough.

How’s things OP? I hope you’re both feeling more rested.

@SnugKnights sadly he slept 2 nights and now seems to be immune to magic sleeping medicine, he didn't settle 'till past 10pm last night up at 4am

Oh no! I’d ask the GP for an urgent referral to a Paediatrician, it’s not good for his health or yours.

@SnugKnights yes I have done, we've also got a referral for play therapy because somethings bothering the little man - thank you

Oh dear

I really feel for both of you. It’s so hard to know what’s going on in their little heads. Fingers crossed you won’t have to wait too long for the appointments to come through

@SnugKnights just spoke to the gp they're not referring to paediatrician I don't know why, I literally said I can not go on like this she suggested I find someone to give me a break - even if they had anyone able to help my grandson has never spent a night away from me I can't just ship him out what a ridiculous suggestion

@Cait73. Ffs your GP is being ridiculous. Phone them tomorrow and either get an emergency appointment or ask for the GP to contact you. Tell them this is paramount to your being able to continue to care for your grandson. Ask them for the details of the GMC (you can google this yourself but make them give you it) tell GP this is not acceptable and you will be be complaining.

Wish I was able to step in and help you in person. We are all behind you and will support you as much as possible. 💐

I’m so sorry you’re struggling. Does your grandson still have a social worker or can you reach out to his old social worker to push things forward to get some help?

@Noimaginationforaun we don't have a social worker or any ss involvement any more, we've got a support worker who's busy trying to put various things in place to help us but this could take weeks and with Covid and Christmas I don't anticipate anything happening 'till the New Year

Another really bad night here, little one didn't go to sleep 'till past 10pm then was up at 2am (tried to take him to bed with me) back to gus bed 3am I think I'd just dropped off when he came back in just after 4 we haven't managed to get back to sleep

I feel hot, sick, dizzy tired and I'm just walking round crying

3 year old is bright as a button I don't know how he does it I really don't

Oh you poor thing. I've not read the whole thread just your posts. I've got a 6mo and when I came down with a bad cold that was horrendous and I had DH with me but I didn't even get a full day in bed to get shot of it like he did and that was bad enough, at least he did the housework. But you on your own must be hellish.

I've read people mention sure start is think it is where you can get people to pop round to help or just for a chat. Can you afford a night nurse or a day babysitter on a day off where you can catch up on sleep?

You not eating properly (read your not having tea) is probably contributing to poor recovery and immunity. Get some berocca so your drinking fluids as well. This is a war, treat it like it, it's a big bloody battle that YOU WILL AND CAN CONQUER and will come out the other side of. You need good armour, good food, fluids, vitamins, fresh air and any help, volunteered or paid that you can afford.

Have you tried sleeping in his room?

@WheresMyCycle even if I could afford a night nurse it's not practical for a previously traumatised child, I'm not sure who much sleep I'd get knowing he needs me it could make things a whole lot worse

Fight? I don't have any left

Could you go on antidepressants to help you stay strong?

Being a previous Foster carer and now adoptive parent you would have had to have shown that you have a support system, where is it?

@WheresMyCycle it's slightly different with kinship care but it hasn't helped I had to move 200 miles away during court proceedings

Oh crap no that is doesn't help

@WheresMyCycle I've actually got a Mum from preschool coming over for coffee this morning I don't think she can help but she might have some ideas

Regarding the GP, it might be an idea (maybe in the New Year) to change surgery. You could ask around for recommendations. We did this 10 years agi and it has made such a difference.