"Are you sleepy yet?" Sleep Disorders with International Adopted Children

Is your new child having a hard time adjusting to a sleep schedule? 

Are they waking up every hour on the hour? 

Are they falling asleep during they day and not wanting to sleep at night? 


Are they (and you) sleep deprived and grumpy all day?





Are you ready to pull your hair out??? 


Don't worry. You are not alone. 

Parents are speaking out! 

Here are a couple articles and websites that we wanted to share with you that will hopefully get you through this stage in the child's life. 




Sleep Struggles Following International Adoption

Attachment Parenting International Website



Pam with Sunny Ridge Family Center in Illinois stated: 

"Sometimes something as simple as music, turning the TV on or using a white noise machine can create a similar atmosphere that the child may have been used to in the orphanage (or foster home).  Co-sleeping doesn't always have to mean “same bed”; it can mean a palette set up next to the bed, toddler bed right next to the parent’s bed.  I would also recommend Theraplay for assistance in the attachment and bonding process.  Depending on where they live, they might be able to locate a Theraplay therapist in their area-their institute is here in the Chicago area, but they have trained therapists all across the U.S. as well as other countries.  www.theraplay.org. "

Sleep Problems and Concerns 

Dori with The Cradle in Illinois stated:

"I suggest the webinar AreYou Sleeping  done by Julian Davies, M.D., a pediatrician at the University of Washington Adoption Clinic on Adoption Learning Partners. Very informative, entertaining and aware of separation/attachment issues that may be part of the sleep equation. 

  

I also really like Mary Sheedy Kurcinka' book, Sleeplessin America. She wrote your Spirited Child. Both are proponents of the one size does NOT fit all approach to sleep issues."

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