Sleepless Child

[alyson_h82]

My two year old and 4 month son has never slept through the night.  More recently he spends 3/4 of the night moaning and calling out for me.  When I go into see him he's not really awake.  He had a sleep deprived EEG done which came back with a mild abnormality and now he is scheduled for an MRI and blood work that the paediatrician wants done at the childrens hospital which is an hour away.  He is also scheduled to meet with a neurologist.  In the mean time, the doctor hasn't told me anything that it could be or what he is looking for.  Any ideas on how to get m son to have a peaceful nights sleep?
He has had his tonsils and adnoids removed because originally they thought it could be sleep apnea and has had tubes in his ears twice. I dont want to put him through any tests he may not need.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How is your son? Were the MRI and blood tests done? Night terrors are common in this stage. The Associated Professional Sleep Societies recommends a small increases in total sleep time. Rapid improvement was observed  with as little as adding 1/2 an hour a day of sleep. You may try adding this in his daily nap, earlier bedtime or delaying wake-up time in the morning. If it persists, have him evaluated further in a sleep center. Sometimes, sleep specialists recommend medicines after other options have been explored. Take care and do keep us posted.

[Geethika]

I think he is sleeping during the day , any how better to have a check up from the doctor.
http://www.harneedi.com/index.php/forum

[angelriv]

I would call your child's doctor and ask him to explain why he is sending you and then I would go! A 1 hour drive would be worth it to me if it would possibly help my child get some sleep and a Ped. Neurologist sounds like the right direction to go in if he had an abn. EEG. You can also try calling the hospital MRI dept (usually in Radiology) and ask them to "walk you thru" exactly what will happen with him to allay your fears.  Also, sometimes Children's Hospitals have Child Life Specialists that help the kid's go thru tests and have distraction methods or they may even give him a mild sedative to make him more comfortable and to help him lay still in the MRI.  I don't know their policy but you can find all of that out by phone ahead of time. What hospital would you be going to? Just curious because I know a bunch of Peds Nurses around the country at various hospitals . Anyway, good luck and keep us posted!