Sleeping

[caththecrazy]

A few months ago I posted a question about my youngest sleeping a great deal during the day but I put it down to me starting a part time job and him spending more time with a friend and her children.

He is now nearly 22 months and has once again taken to sleeping more than I think is natural. He goes to bed at 7pm and is usually awake about 6/6.30am but once again he is sleeping maybe from 9.30/10am til 12.00 after lunch and a play he'll sleep another hour or more if I let him. He never used to do this and my elder son certainly didn't. Some days I think he is awake for about 8 hours.

I've taken him to my GP a few times but he says he is fine. He is eating well and seems happy in himself but constantly wants to go to sleep and doesn't seem to have the energy he used to have.

Any ideas?

[upsydaisy]

Hi Cath - if he is eating and developing well then it sounds like you are one of the very lucky few to have a super sleeper! A friend of mine has a son much the same as yours - she has been known to have to wake him after 9am having been asleep for 14 hours and still has a lunchtime nap. I know its our job as parents to worry - but you've checked it out and its ok so just enjoy it while you can, I'm very very jealous!!! Take care x

[caththecrazy]

Hi upsydaisy

I guess you could be right it's just he doesn't seem himself. He's always had so much energy but everything else is fine. Thanks

[radiogaga]

hello cathy, i have two my eldest is 3 and sleeps from 8pm to 8am, then guarenteed she;ll sleep three hous in afternoon. shes always been a super sleeper.
my other one is 5 months and sleeps for 20 mins every few hours.
they both go down and sleep right through, youngest till 6-7am.
if your son is thriving in every other area, not to worry.
some kiddies need up to 16 hours sleep per day.
i found the BBC webpage helpfull.

[pinkfluffo]

Is it that he is playing and then suddenly drifts off? Or are you putting him down for a nap? I know my child would definetly go to sleep if i let her as she has always liked her bed and sleep!
Mine sleeps for 13 hours at night where as it sounds like yours only sleeps for 11 hours. Maybe thats why he sleeps a little more during the day?
Could he not go to bed a little later say 8pm and then maybe he will wake up a little later aswell?
Also try giving him more bread. cereals, bananas as these will give him alot of energy.

[Schutzengel]

Hi Cathy, Perhaps he's in a growth spurt, when he'll need more sleep, as growing uses up energy.

[caththecrazy]

I struggle to keep him awake til 7pm - it's just not the norm for him - and he just falls asleep on the floor in the middle of doing something - earlier he fell asleep in his tea - yuk.One minute he is sitting the next he has gone.

The only good thing is that he does eat well - more than his 3 year old brother.

Thanks everyone.

[Allykitten]

Personally I'd worry as if this isn't normal coupled with your gut instinct I'd be back to my GP. My GP always said he takes a mother's gut instinct into account.

[caththecrazy]

Alleykitten those are my feelings exactly and I'm going back to the GP on Monday

[Razzle09]

Cath when my kids were small they could have been described as great sleepers. Bed 6.30 or 7.00. awake at 8am. sleep an hour in the morning and a nap after lunch. They were very active between, walking playing etc... but if you think his energy levels are fluctuating I would give it another few weeks and take him back to GP... best wishes

[caththecrazy]

Razzle that is what Ben used to be like but now he just seems to have no energy inbetween sleeping - can't put my finger on it - but he doesn't seem his usual self.