Vocal tics and difficulty in getting to sleep

[JulesLou]

My son has vocal tics, he makes various noises most of the time, sometimes they are really loud and constant which at the moment is stopping him from getting to sleep.  On average it is taking him one and a half hours to go to sleep.

Has anybody been able to help their child get to sleep quicker when they have bad tics.  We do the obvious things like trying to relax before bed and Epsom salt baths. Just really need to help him as he gets quite upset at night!  
Any suggestions would be really appreciated! 

[evemac]

I remember these evenings. Heartbreaking. Here's what we did; sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't, but they are worth a try:

1. Calms Mg is wonderful and immediate. We did the powder, but luckily they have gummies now.

2. We did a brush Wilbarger protocol for sensory integration (taught to us from our OT). You can Google it and you can buy the cool brushes online. You literally just brush all over their arms, back, legs and let them tell you in they need more or less pressure. This gives your child some input that may help regulate them and get their nervous system to slow down. There was another joint release movement we would do (also from the OT), but I cannot remember what it was called. 

3. Variation on meditation/relaxation: my mom would have Harrison think about relaxing, beginning from his feet and work all the way up to his head. She would say, "feel your feet relaxing, now your ankles", etc.

My heart is there with you. There were nights I just cried because I couldn't figure out how to help him.

The happy ending is that he is now 19, tics just slightly every now and then, played football in high school and made good grade and good friends, is now in college, and is one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever known.

Hang in there. XO

Eve

 

Edited April 29, 2023 by evemac
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[JulesLou]

@evemacthank you for your help and advice, it is heartbreaking and exhausting.

Can I ask how old your son was when he first got tics, were they vocal/motor or both and were there triggers that set them off.   Did you use supplements and you say he rarely tics now, when did you start to see an improvement.

It is great to hear that children’s tics have improved and gives me hope, it really is a tough journey to be taking when you have no idea of what is setting it off or how to help!

Thank you, Julie