CP-related sleep problems? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

bsjones · 05-18-2005, 11:19 AM

Our 2-year son Noah has spastic diplegia and truncial hypotonia. He has never sleep as well as his twin brother. He wakes up and cries. We give him his pacifier, hold him, walk him, etc.. Some of the possible reasons for this that I have thought of are:

(1) Reflux
(2) Gas, indigestion, constipation
(3) muscle cramps, soreness

You folks seem to know a lot about this kind of thing. Do you have any ideas? And, if you have CP, do you have any sleep problems caused by the CP? Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot !!

NJenn · 05-24-2005, 10:24 AM

Spasticity can definitely interfere with sleep! For years and years I chalked up insomnia to just being a Type A personality. I take about 20 mgs. of oral baclofen at night before bed, and it does take the edge off. I'm not a big fan of the meds, but if he's not sleeping well, that poses additional problems for dealing with CP during the day. Might be worth looking into, if they determine that the sleep problem isn't due to the other problems you mentioned. Then again, I know a few two-year olds who just don't like to sleep.....

bsjones · 05-24-2005, 11:42 AM

Thanks NJenn! I will definitely check into it.

Alinka · 05-24-2005, 01:49 PM

I absolutely argree with NJenn, what helps me is the warm (not hot) bath before going to bed. And massage, if there is somebody to administer it :-)))

bsjones · 05-25-2005, 11:18 AM

Thanks Alinka! My wife and I will consider all these options you and NJenn suggested.