I've written a lot over the years regarding our struggles with sleep (or rather a lack thereof). As I have learned more about my son and the rewiring of his thinking, feelings and even senses, I totally get why he does not sleep well. Who would, really, when they have such extreme conditions early in life? Of course he still processes old memories, old feelings and old fears at night. Of course he needs grace in this.
That being said. UGH! Finding that grace for him in the last hours of the day is difficult for all of us. Our cycle here is that E wakes up early. Really early for a kid who goes, goes, goes without a nap or even a pause all day long. Usually, E is up 2 hours before the rest of the kids. Some days (note, I didn't use words like many or most!) he will lie in his bed humming softly or talking to himself. Usually he wonders to the bathroom at least two times. By the time the rest of the entourage wakes up, this kid is WIRED and ready to go. It's best for all of us if he gets dressed, brushes his teeth, etc, in my bathroom. His nonstop chatter, chanting, touching and stomping is a lot so bright and early.
By the time 4 o'clock rolls around, E is done. Finished. Ready for bed. I would be too if I ran- not walked-everywhere, was hypervigilant to everyone around me and generally was on fast forward mode. That's where our strict routine comes in with the high protein, the sprints, yada, yada, yada. Basically we hang on until bedtime.
Now usually I avoid asking for advice. Please don't take this the wrong way. It just stems from the fact that parenting E is never going to fit the mold for most kids. I've been hurt a lot over the years by this. I value all your opinions and thoughts but I have also come to guard my heart in this area.
E is chronically sleep deprived. We can see and hear his fatigue. I don't know how to break this cycle.....I would guess that he gets about 9 hours of sleep. This is the kind of sleep that involves crashing into the wall, hanging off the bed, tossing and turning, keeping muscles flexed, peeing. Not that sound or restful.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm bracing myself but I'm ready for my community here.
