The sleep issues don't seem to go away as the kids age --- they just change!
My son is now 14 and we jokingly call him 'the Vampire' because he can't seem to get to sleep at night, and waking him up in the morning is next to impossible. And then he's groggy all during the daylight hours. I used to think it was some lingering effect of past health issues, but his doctor assures me that this behavior is "normal."
Normal or not, it's becoming a real problem. We tried sending him to bed earlier, but he just lies awake in the dark for hours. Then he falls asleep with great ease during his afternoon classes at high school. And he is completely out of sync with the rest of the family on weekends: the rest of us are up in the morning ready to do stuff, but he sleeps until well into the afternoon. Then he's ready to go go go! late into the night long after the rest of us have dozed off.
The only thing I can liken it to is a baby who is 'backwards,' sleeping all day then being alert at night. I'm trying to wait it out and hope his interior clock corrects itselt, but it's wearing me out!
New to AZ --- still working out the kinks!
This is actually
This is actually developmentally appropriate. I've always said that it's really stupid to start high school classes at 7:45, and elementary classes at 9:00. Elementary kids are up and at it about the time the sun rises, and teenagers can stay up until the sun rises.
Your son's sleeping habits
Your son's sleeping habits sound exactly like my life a few years ago. It's norml teenage behavior. If YOU can accept it, life will become more enjoyable. As long as yoy know it's not due to drugs or that kind of behavior, all will be fine. All four of my children did the same thing...but take heart...they really do outgrow it! Three of my children are now young adults with jobs in which they get up every morning and go to. Now my 14 year old daughter - that's another story!!
Paz
Is he drinking caffeine? If
Is he drinking caffeine? If so, maybe try cutting it out or at least limiting it to before noon. I know for myself, I have a really hard time sleeping if I've had anything caffeinated in the afternoon. Just a thought.
Our oldest is 13 and he is
Our oldest is 13 and he is constantly sleepy. He actually disappears quite a bit, too...one time, I couldn't find him and I started to get freaked out. I was calling his name, I ran around outside looking for him. Finally, I called his cell phone (which I am sure he would come out of a coma to answer). Sure enough, totally passed out in his bed. I agree that it's normal for his age and his body is going through major changes. I have been really insistant that our son take his daily vitamins and eat healthy!
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She spends most of her days juggling her duties as a mom, wife, and business owner. Her three little kittens range in age from 4 to 13.
Wow, it's good to hear all
Wow, it's good to hear all your feedback --- it makes me feel better to know I'm not alone!
Now if I can just get through the "Vampire years" --- with not only my son, but my other 2 young ones who are close behind him!
New to AZ --- still working out the kinks!