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My Daughter's Sleep Deprivation And Destructive Behavior

by Jessica
(North Carolina)

My daughter is 5 years old, but the problem started when she was 4. She does not sleep at night, and gets into everything. She has totally emptied out my kitchen on numerous occasions. She opens anything she can and pours it in the floor.


Recently I've been having trouble keeping her in the house at night. We are currently trying to find a door lock she cannot open.

When she does sleep it is impossible to wake her up. I have gotten her on schedule many times, but it will only last for about about a week or two and she is back to the same old routine. She will sleep from 2 to 10 hours, it just depends on her I guess.

I am lost at what to do, but have three other children and am just too worn out to keep staying up with her. I have really been considering taking her to a specialist. Is anyone else having a problems similar to this?



Dear Jessica,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We understand that this is a very difficult situation for your family.

We're opening up your story for feedback from other visitors. In the meantime, it may be helpful to go to our page on sleep disorders in children, where you can find other parents' stories and view existing comments.

We wish the best for your family. Please update us if the situation improves.

Warmly,

Jordan

EYSD Editor

Comments for My Daughter's Sleep Deprivation And Destructive Behavior

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Oct 16, 2012
 Sleep Deprivation and Destructive Behavior.
by: Melissa

Jessica,

I feel your pain. I also have a five year old son who refuses to sleep at night. I like you, have gottne him on a schedule many times but it only last a week, we once made it to two weeks. However I have another son who is 11 months old and my five year old is keeping him up at night as well. On a good night I will get both to sleep by 3am on a bad night, we get to sleep at 5am. Like your daughter my son gets into everything. He does not see things for what they are, he see things as a toy. He is constantly moving around and yelling. I was not able to send him to school this year because he refuses to follow directions or listen to what an adult is telling him. I was wondering if you found anything that is working for your daughter that I may try. If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know. He sleep deprivation is leading to major behavioral problems and I no longer know how to deal with these problems on my own.
Feb 28, 2016
 Possible relief NEW
by: Anonymous

My son had issues with getting up in the middle of the night and walking around as well. At Walmart you can buy this little door alarms that go on each side on the door on the inside and when they separate, it either will set off an alarm or making a chiming noise (you can choose)... they were very cheap (around 15 dollars) for a set of three. One for each door that you have. We bought them just in case he would happen to wonder out of the house, thank the Lord it never came to that.
Jan 09, 2017
 Exact same situation NEW
by: Anonymous

Our daughter is 3.5yrs old and will destroy our home as well. She has to be monitored constantly. I have been able to gradually get her to sleep at night a few times but she will reset her own internal clock within a week or 2 of finally sleeping through the night. She will literally stay awake for up to 19-20hrs before going to sleep in the mid-ams. Her sleep hours of choice are falling asleep between 4-6am and waking up 10-12hrs later. I have cut out naps completely so that I could get 8hrs of sleep and some time to myself before she wakes up or I would go mad. She is the only child in our home so this makes it a little easier but I miss not being able to do things with family and friends. We eat breakfast when everyone else is eating dinner and getting ready for bed; we are just starting our day. I have a daily(nightly) routine and that really helps. I have tried everything to get her to sleep at night and it has all failed. I gave up about 4 months ago. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

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