Upon the suggestion (maybe he has an ear infection?) of a friend I called Dr. Dan and they wanted to see him in the office today. Our appointment was at 4:20 and we didn't see Dr. Dan until 5:20 (this is unheard of in his office-we never have to wait) and Blaine is supposed to eat dinner at 5:00 pm. Enough said, right? Thank God I had brought some peanut butter crackers (given to me by Blaine's girlfriend, Siri :) and his water... but this didn't even make a dent in his hunger. So now, I have a hungry, sleepy, possibly sick child and we are waiting in a 8 x 8 room. They should have just put me in a straight jacket!
When Dr. Dan finally saw us he determined that:
A) Blaine's ears look o.k. - a little drainage so they certainly weren't perfect. His only symptom (besides the night wakings) was a green-snotty nose, but no consistent drainage. He did prescribe an antibiotic to start on Saturday morning if Blaine still has the green stuff (TMI, I know.)
B) The ear thing is probably not waking him up, though a headache from the sinus pressure could be but the most probable cause of the night wakings:
C) Night Terrors. I was like, "OK, so he's having a nightmare?" Dr. Dan, "Nope - based on when he's waking, these are most likely Night Terrors."
What is the difference you ask? I went to http://www.babycenter.com/ to get more information:
What are night terrors?
Night terrors occur in at least 5 percent of young children, and can start as early as 9 months. These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence. Once the night terror (which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more) is over, your child will return to a sound sleep and have no memory of the incident in the morning.
Night terrors occur in at least 5 percent of young children, and can start as early as 9 months. These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence. Once the night terror (which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more) is over, your child will return to a sound sleep and have no memory of the incident in the morning.
How are night terrors different from nightmares?
Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared him, though he probably won't be able to articulate his fright until he's about 2. He may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, he'll probably remember that he had a bad dream.
Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared him, though he probably won't be able to articulate his fright until he's about 2. He may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, he'll probably remember that he had a bad dream.
What should I do when my toddler has a night terror?
Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile (remember, he's not really awake and he's not aware of your presence). You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Don't speak to him or try to soothe him, and don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him — all of which could lead to more frantic behavior. In 15 to 20 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.
Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile (remember, he's not really awake and he's not aware of your presence). You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Don't speak to him or try to soothe him, and don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him — all of which could lead to more frantic behavior. In 15 to 20 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.
Is there anything I can do to prevent night terrors?
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances that your toddler will have night terrors. First, make sure that he's getting enough sleep, since children who go to bed overtired are more likely to experience these sleep disturbances. To avoid fatigue, extend your toddler's nap time, let him sleep a little later in the morning, or put him to bed earlier at night. And be sure to schedule plenty of time for calming bedtime rituals, such as a bath, a song, a book, and lots of cuddling.Since night terrors usually occur during the first part of the night, you could also try gently rousing your toddler after he's been asleep for an hour or two — about 15 minutes before the typical episode would start. This should alter his sleep pattern enough to head off the night terror at the pass.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances that your toddler will have night terrors. First, make sure that he's getting enough sleep, since children who go to bed overtired are more likely to experience these sleep disturbances. To avoid fatigue, extend your toddler's nap time, let him sleep a little later in the morning, or put him to bed earlier at night. And be sure to schedule plenty of time for calming bedtime rituals, such as a bath, a song, a book, and lots of cuddling.Since night terrors usually occur during the first part of the night, you could also try gently rousing your toddler after he's been asleep for an hour or two — about 15 minutes before the typical episode would start. This should alter his sleep pattern enough to head off the night terror at the pass.
Terrible, huh? That's what I told Dr. Dan. I think I asked numerous times, "Are you sure this isn't a terrible sinus infection that can be cured with a powerful and wonderful antibiotic?!"
Dr. Dan said that the cause of night terrors is most often: sleep deprivation. This of course is bad news because night terrors cause sleep loss and that makes them more tired and then their deprived and then they have night terrors and... it's a viscous cycle. He said our best defense is a good nap during the day and an early bedtime.
Not to mention we had to stop and get BBQ for dinner (an hour and 10 minutes after the official dinner time of 5:00) and if you've ever had a hungry toddler on your hands you know what I mean when I say that he was having a total meltdown. Poor guy.
Daddy gave Mister a bath and then read him some books and put him down for his nightly scream. He didn't put up a huge fight tonight, but it was worth noting.
Dr. Dan talked to Blaine man-to-man about sleeping through the night but Blaine was more interested in writing on Dr. Dan's prescription pad with the pen I gave him. Oops.
I showed Blaine this picture when we got home - I thought it might motivate him to sleep. I'll let you know later...
I am no doctor, but as a mother my only suggestion is that you seek Oriental medicine - i.e. accupuncture, herbalist, etc. This little guy could just have an energetic imbalance....I've had nightmares most my life, and finally got some relief from accuncture (which he may be too young for)..ALSO, it could be a food allergy - especially to gluten or dairy....More later, these are just my initial thoughts...LOVE AND HUGS ...and it WILL all turn out okay!
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