sleep patterns

[bindutrivedy]

We discovered our son was smoking week for a while and after 3 months of intense conflict, finally calmed down enough to sit down and lay down consequences if he was caught smoking again.

He has kept his word and things are on an even keel. However over the last couple of weeks our son goes to bed straight after school finishes and sleeps for 2 to 3 hours. At night too he sleeps earlier than usual.

When he comes from school there are no visible signs of his having used anything and when he gets up from sleep he is clear eyed too.
Please shed light on this for me. Thank you and bless you.

Bindu

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Parent,
Ask your son what is up with this extra sleeping. If he has no good explanation and this persists for a total of 10-14 days, get him to see his medical doc for an evaluation. If he checks out OK physically, have him then evaluated by a mental health helper. The weed use and the excessive sleep might suggest that he's depressed. Please move quickly in case he's sinking into a serious sadness.

[bindutrivedy]

Thank you for your advice. I asked my son very directly why he was sleeping so much and he told me that he needed to sleep because he has been thinking a lot about where he wants to get to and what he needs to do to get there.

Also that the last months have been hard for him but he needs time to process all that has happened. I had got a copy of "yes your parents are crazy" but he had not made any attempts to read it. I took it upon myself to bribe him with something that he really wants in the summer if he were to read the book from cover to cover by the time summer rolls around and also some feedback about what he has got from the book. Doc what a miracle! He is reading the book and what a marked change in his attitude especially at dinner! I don't know after how many years really, yes years, we are able to have a conversation without him dissing, insulting or being thoroughly nasty to his sister! and with all of us in an uproar. I just am holding my breath and such positive things are coming out of his once very sassy and negative mouth! How do I thank you!!!

He is a very gifted boy and excels in sports too. Since it is not the football season here any more he does not want to play another sport but after some cajoling is going to give his best shot at basket ball.

After our talk he is sleeping less. He is meeting all his academic deadlines so all in all we have a lot to be grateful for.

I cannot thank you enough. I am going to recommend your books to parents of other teenagers in our community.

Grateful mum