General Oh, Sleep, How I Miss You!

[PTSDMama]

My son has been up since 2am - violent, then sweet, then loopy. In my looney state of existence because of this pattern of a week or so of horrible sleep followed by a week of good sleep, I've got to thinking, what are the blessings of some of his symptoms?

• Fending off attacks can lead to some great ab work!
• My cat is happier - he gets more lap time when I'm awake during the night.
• I get to hear the birds as soon as they start chirping in the morning.
• I get to answer questions like, "mama, why are you up? mama, can a chainsaw cut through glass? mama, remember that episode of Sonic where he.......? mama, can you sing to me? mama, are trains real?" and the like.
• It's a greater opportunity for me to practice grace and patience.
• I get to see glimpses into what a great man my boy can become because of how deeply he thinks and how deep his sense of justice is.

Obviously, some of these are tongue in cheek. But really, there are some things that happen during the course of this disorder that I wouldn't experience otherwise. I may sound delusional, and probably am...but sometimes I have to look at things this way.

*yawn* My boy just sleepily asked me to cover him up and told me I'm a good mama. Crossing my fingers for some sleep!

 

[PTSDMama]

We finally got to sleep for a couple of hours, then he was up again. The plan was for us to go to the zoo today but on the way there he asked if he could go get a toy. I said we were going to the zoo instead and that it would be so fun, and was met with punches around the head, neck and shoulders.

I turned the car around, and we are not going to the zoo. He is in his room right now because I needed some separation from him...I am beyond livid about not going to the zoo. Not the violence, not the anger toward me...the zoo. I feel so silly saying that, but I was really looking forward to a day there. :mad: Oh well, there will be other days, and the house needed cleaning anyway. :(

Also, we have an adoption support group tonight and my sister is taking care of him! Looking forward to having some time with the hubby and other people who understand!

 

[Pale Warrior]

Hi Mamma,

Hope the group went well for you.

Have you had any support from a sleep practioner? I qualified as one a few years ago and have specific training for supporting disabled children and am sure they must exist in the US. No magic wand, but they can offer detailed guidance and techniques to support you (as much as him).

Perhaps his therapist could signpost?