What Can I Do if My Child With CP Has Trouble Sleeping?

 Posted on October 22, 2020 in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a neurological condition or disorder that affects an individual’s muscles and movement. This can manifest in several different ways, from spastic movements to hearing loss to the inability to walk without assistance. In many cases, it inhibits a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is generally caused by abnormal brain development or damage to a developing brain in utero. This type of injury can be caused by a lack of oxygen during prolonged labor and other complications during childbirth. One of the many issues that CP sufferers face is trouble sleeping, and this is especially evident in children who have CP. 

Tips for Bedtime

Parenting can be exhausting no matter what, but for parents who have a special needs child, it can take an even bigger toll. Daily routines are important for creating and maintaining healthy habits, including sleeping at naptime or bedtime. Seizures, muscle spasms, pain, breathing difficulties, or gastrointestinal issues can all inhibit sleeping patterns in younger people with CP. 

A few examples of actions that parents can take to help their child’s CP symptoms and obtain more restful sleep include: 

• Keep a sleep diary: Record things such as the time your child goes to bed, how long it takes him or her to fall asleep, what he or she ate before bed, and if any medications are taken at night.

• Get daily exercise: Any kind of physical activity the child can do throughout the day will help him or her sleep better. This could also include physical therapy, aqua therapy, or targeted stretching.

• Encourage a healthy diet: Consult a dietician or nutritionist to develop a proper diet. In case your child has problems with swallowing, prepare softer items or smaller meals instead of three larger meals.

• Take a muscle relaxer before bed: A physician may prescribe a muscle relaxant to relieve the symptoms of spasms in kids with CP.  

• Create a calming bedtime routine: Taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music or white noise can help some children with CP fall asleep easier.

• Make the bed comfortable: This may seem obvious, but making sure your child has enough blankets to stay warm and pillows to alleviate some discomfort can go a long way in getting a good night's sleep. 

Contact a Chicago Birth Injury Attorney 

Cerebral palsy can cause lifelong symptoms, including sleeping problems. The Birth Injury Law Alliance has helped numerous families receive compensation if their child’s birth injury was caused by negligence. Our experienced and reputable Illinois medical malpractice lawyers are well-versed in the legal steps to achieve successful outcomes in these types of personal injury cases. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal steps for seeking financial relief that will go toward meeting your child’s daily needs. To learn more and to request a free consultation, call our office today at 312-462-4200. 

Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html#:~:text=Cerebral%20palsy%20(CP)%20is%20a,problems%20with%20using%20the%20muscles.