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What Causes Sleeplessness In Infant?
Question: Hello,
My son is 12 months old and has yet to sleep through the night. He is still waking every 4-5 hours, reliably. We have reduced pacifier dependence, begun laying him down at dozy stage, both of which are going well. We have attempted to let him 'cry it out'. This does not go well, and is not an option in our house. He will cry to the point of vomiting, he will wake his 6 yr old sister, and get the family beagle howling which in turn, wakes the neighbours. He will only take milk about 50% of the time through the night. I am hoping for some advice on what to try. As I have returned to work full time, our homes sleep situation is becoming dire!
In addition to any suggestions, I would also like a professional's opinion on giving melatonin at such a young age.
My son is 12 months old and has yet to sleep through the night. He is still waking every 4-5 hours, reliably. We have reduced pacifier dependence, begun laying him down at dozy stage, both of which are going well. We have attempted to let him 'cry it out'. This does not go well, and is not an option in our house. He will cry to the point of vomiting, he will wake his 6 yr old sister, and get the family beagle howling which in turn, wakes the neighbours. He will only take milk about 50% of the time through the night. I am hoping for some advice on what to try. As I have returned to work full time, our homes sleep situation is becoming dire!
In addition to any suggestions, I would also like a professional's opinion on giving melatonin at such a young age.
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on sleep
Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concerns. Coming to your 2nd query 1st - Melatonin is absolutely not an option. It is not advisable to induce sleep artificially at such a tender age.
Secondly, suggestions on sleep -
1. Try not putting him to sleep in the morning time.
2. If you feel he's waking due to hunger, try giving him solid food before putting to sleep at night.
3. Try changing his diapers every 3-4 hours once as he might be waking up due to wet diapers.
4. If possible tire him out with a good evening play, so that he will be amenable to comforting.
5. Do not allow play activities involving too much of running around or physical tiring after the dinner time, this will adversely affect the sleep timing and duration.
6. Do not allow TV viewing or usage of tablet or a phone device. Now a days kids are able to handle them, though not perfectly... But the flashes of light emitted from them will cause sleeplessness now and this might in future lead to hyperactivity.
Hope my suggestions are helpful for you. Any further queries are welcome.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggestions on sleep
Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concerns. Coming to your 2nd query 1st - Melatonin is absolutely not an option. It is not advisable to induce sleep artificially at such a tender age.
Secondly, suggestions on sleep -
1. Try not putting him to sleep in the morning time.
2. If you feel he's waking due to hunger, try giving him solid food before putting to sleep at night.
3. Try changing his diapers every 3-4 hours once as he might be waking up due to wet diapers.
4. If possible tire him out with a good evening play, so that he will be amenable to comforting.
5. Do not allow play activities involving too much of running around or physical tiring after the dinner time, this will adversely affect the sleep timing and duration.
6. Do not allow TV viewing or usage of tablet or a phone device. Now a days kids are able to handle them, though not perfectly... But the flashes of light emitted from them will cause sleeplessness now and this might in future lead to hyperactivity.
Hope my suggestions are helpful for you. Any further queries are welcome.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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