Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 22:54     Subject: Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
My bad sleeper suffered from silent reflux and (for a long time) an unknown inability to digest milk protein. I had to stop eating all dairy while nursing and he couldn’t have any until well over 2 years old. Might be worth investigating some things like that. Digestion issues are made worse by being flat while sleeping.
The pulling on ears definitely sounds like something is going on, I would make an appointment with an ENT too. Earaches are also often made worse by sleeping (positional issue mostly).
Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 22:05     Subject: Re:Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
Anonymous wrote:Does he wake up on his back or stomach or both? Have you tried sleeping with him on you at an incline, belly down?



He seems to sleep the best on his belly but we haven’t tried an incline since he was much younger. I might try that again to see if it makes a difference. He generally always sleeps best when held upright but that’s not really doable at night.
Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 22:04     Subject: Re:Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
Anonymous wrote:ENT definitely.

Really bad reflux can cause ear pain.


We now plan to see an ENT. I didn’t know that about reflux. Sometimes I’ve wondered if that’s what’s happening but he just isn’t spitting it up.
Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 22:02     Subject: Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
Anonymous wrote:I’d advise against sleep training right now. Your gut is telling you something and you should follow it. Right now I think beyond getting to an ENt is trying to find ways for him and you to get sleep. He must be exhausted poor lamb and you too. If he will sleep more and better co sleeping then do that. Whatever works. No one goes to college still in their mothers bed. One unlikely possibility I can think of is reflux. Maybe try to see if Positioning changes things. Is there a way you could get him to sleep with a bit of elevation? Will he sleep longe did you you hold him? Just spitballing. Will he sleep in the car? If so take him out and drive around and then when he’s asleep come home and you can sit in the car with him and read or put the monitor in the car in your garage if you have one and see how long he sleeps sitting up. I’m so sorry OP but your instincts are probably right.


Thanks so much for the tips and support. So far cosleeping is helping the most because I can quickly get him back to sleep. He does seem to like elevation and his best naps have been out on stroller walks.
Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 22:00     Subject: Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I would ask for a referral to an ENT. You can also get a sleep study done.


This
Has your pediatrician ruled out issues with tonsils or adenoids?


+2. The pulling at the ears sounds like he's trying to tell you something. Get the ENT as a precaution.


Our pediatrician’s explanation was “some kids pull on their ears”. So we are going to just go straight to an ENT since our insurance doesn’t require a referral. We are also looking into a sleep study now.
Anonymous
Post 09/26/2022 21:58     Subject: Medical Reasons for Bad Sleep?
Anonymous wrote:The sleep training bullies will be along shortly seeking validation for their own choices by guilting you into the same.

I chose not to sleep train due to some medical issues my baby has. I’m not sure what would cause waking up and possibly due to pain just because it could be so many things from the benign to the unlikely and severe: inner ear fluid or infection, sinus issues, sleep apnea/obstructed airway, CMPA or other allergies, brain tumors (not likely!), low ferritin or magnesium, periodic limb movement disorders, the list just goes on and



Thank you for the support and the list. Obviously I don’t want to go on an endless google medical search but it’s helpful for narrowing down symptoms I should notice.