My 15 mo. old daughter has always been a restless sleeper but I have been increasingly concerned lately. Not only is she waking several times through the night, but she has been getting up on all fours--while asleep--and smashing her head repeatedly into the corner of her crib. It wakes us because the crib smashes loudly against the wall of her room when she does this. When I go in to check on her, she is usually still asleep (or at least mostly) and soaking wet from head to toe with sweat. Is this normal? My other kids never did this. Any idea why she would be behaving this way? Could it be night terrors? Should I be really concerned? Does she need a helmet at night? I would love to hear advice from anyone who knows anything about this.
I don't know what's with the behavior, but my husband's cousin's son did this always and everytime we saw him, he'd have a pretty big bump on his forehead. Mary (the mom) told me that the doctors said to give him time and that he'd out grow it... and he did. He's a perfectly normal 6 year old boy now.
Im curious about other milestones she might be behind on? Banging your head over and over is a sensory seaking deep pressure act. And lots of kids with Autsim do this. 2 of my kids have autsim and have had aweful sleep issues, and a good friend of mine her son has autsim, and she dealt with severe head banging with her son. I have 5 kids all with special needs, and in my opinion this is NOT normal. It is however difficult at times to get a dr to take your concerns seriously. If I were you I would do a simple screening through Easter Seals. It is free. And if they saw concerns they would suggest an evaluation. And since she is under the age of 3 all her services, if needed would be in your home and come to you. I hope this helps you and doesnt upset you. I just know how imperitive it is to get intervention for your children EARLY! My oldest wasnt diagnosed till he was 7 and my youngest was diagnosed at 15 mo and there is a HUGE difference! WE have been through a lot so I would be happy to answer any questions, or try to give you some ideas. Hang in there, and always always stick to your "mommy gut" :) ____@____.com
Hi E.,
You have gotten some good advice here. I'll add my two cents. I really think you should have Hannah evaluated through a sleep study. They'll track her brain waves and sleep and determine whether she has a sleep or brain disorder that causes this. I know a very good, very reputable sleep medicine doctor who evaluated my three children. Two of them ended up having sleep apnea and the third is fine, just a restless sleeper. The doctor is in Evanston but she is very very good. Her name is Lisa Shives and here is her website: http://www.nssleep.com/
I would start there because it definitely sounds like a sleep disorder especially since you mentioned she's covered in sweat.
Best of luck.
Vi
Wow this is twice today I'm suggesting this, but maybe your pediatrician could do a recommendation for an occupational therapy evaluation. They will look at the whole child, and since your daughter is only 15 months, you can get Early Intervention to help pay for the eval.
Good luck!
You may also want to ask your pediatrician as to whether this could be a seizure disorder. Our oldest daughter had a seizure disorder that we did not even realize until she was 6 months old and we finally saw a siezure while she was asleep during the day. Fortunately for us, with medicine and learning a lot about the disorder (formerly called epilepsy), she is now siezure - free and not on any medicine. Good luck but definitely describe the things you are seeing in as much detail to the pediatrician as possible.
You may have come to a solution by now, but in case you are interested in seeing some more ideas, here are a few...
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/t070200.asp
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070300.asp
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070400.asp
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070400.asp
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070900.asp
Best wishes,
J.
