Sleep

[lukesmom]

My husband and I are debating sleep again now that it's summer and I'm looking for input. Our son Luke is almost 8, has confirmed HFI, and sleeps every day from about 7 to 7. Sometimes he reads in his room or lays awake until about 8. Luke has always needed about 12 hours, bu if he is gettig rest, he can do 11 or so. I have alwys felt that he sleeps well and more than other kids because of his HFI, an also because i have been consistent in his sleep. Of course, we do allow for special occasions aometimes as often as 1-2 times per week. We also have a 4 year old who sleeps about the same amount- although he is younger, he does not seem to require the same sleep (he does not have HFI).

Now, my husband thinks Luke should have a "summer bedtime". Bedtimes to me are not seasonal but based in individual needs!

So, those of you HFi, do you sleep more? Do you need more than other people in your opinion? Is there something/research related to the metabolism and sleep?

[charlie]

As a mother of a very bad sleeper I wouldn't change a thing. If he sleeps well the full 12 hours then that suits his clock and his body needs it and by changing things you may open up a whole set of new problems.

Oh, the thought of Megs going to sleep at 7 pm ........................ or even 8pm ..................... even 9pm................................ with Melatonin she gets to sleep by 9.30......................

If your younger child also sleeps the same then the chances are that is what suits them. At least you know after 7 the time is yours, even if it means you are stuck at home............

[colormist]

I am never so happy and bright-eyed/bushy-tailed as when I get nine hours of sleep. I'm in my 30's. Technically I think people in their 30's are supposed to average around 7 hours. It would seem I function better with a teenager's sleep pattern. I'm not sure if this is HFI related.

Here's a nice chart that might help: sleepforall.com/sleep-by-age.htm

[ukbill]

I can function on 4 hours occasionally (no more than 2 one after another. but if I get 6 then I am happy.

Very very occasionally I can manage to stay in bed for 8 or 10 hours.. though not sleep the whole time unless I am physically exhausted.

[claudiarivas]

Hello, my 7 month baby ( who has HFI) sleeps from 7:30pm to 7am , takes a mid morning nap (45- 1 hour) and in the afternoon another nap from 2:30 to 4:00 pm..... I think he sleeps more than other babies....
I am really concern how HFI will affect his energy level, ability to do physical activities , go to summer camps ect... I know I am worrying ahead of time, but I just want to be prepared for all that is going to come..and have as much information as I can, to help him have a good life....:s
how has been all of your experience with energy, exercise , sleep, tired , ect...??

[ukbill]

He will be fine trust me

When he is growing up he will need to keep a small snack with him to keep his energy up.. Something non-sweet and high in fat and carbs will do.. dare I say a cheese sandwich and some milk to drink will do perfectly

In most cases you can "forward Load" by giving him lots of protein and carbs the day before he is going to do a lot of excesses.

For example if I know I am going to be working hard the next day then I will have a late'ish meal which will be very high in protein and carbs.. with a bit of fat too.

Steak, mushrooms, egg and chips (or pasta) is usually good for the job.. and when I say Steak,egg and chips I really mean STEAK.. I will eat at least 500g (1lb) at a sitting with no problem.

Also good is a stew with dumplings.. steak and kidney is great particularly in the winter.. OK I know is always sunny and warm in your part of the world.. don't rub it in

Pasta dishes are always good too but I have to go low cheese if I hope to sleep anytime within 4 or 5 yours of eating it!

Chicken or Pork is good too. Fish is very good too but not so sustaining over time.

You can always make him little treats out of pastry (cheese straws marmite straws) or like samosas but with HFI safe ingredients.

Keep him stuffed with meat and pasta / rice and just watch him grow!

I always had a hard boiled egg and a lump of cheese in my pocket as a kid

You will be brainwashed by "foodys" saying he HAS to eat veg and stuff like that .. it is just NOT TRUE.

A little spinach or lettuce one a week is more than enough, (OK so long as he has a vitamin C supplement or some lemon juice on his fish twice a week.)

As for long term health.. Fred is a good example of how if you keep clean of the sweet stuff a long and happy fulfilled life is there for the living

Keep smiling and enjoy your boy.. he is a little miracle..

[claudiarivas]

Thank you Bill!! for so many tips:) you are always so right.
I have spoken to Fred , his awesome.
I know I am worrying ahead of time and overthinking stuff, but I guess you guys are the only ppl I can do this with, because most of the people I talked to dont have a clue what I am saying... I talked to someone and I told them carlitos had fructose intolerance and they corrected me saying it was lactose intolerance, after a minute into the conversation I just said ¨yeah you are right I am mistaken¨ ,
just a funny anecdote ..have a nice day all of you , and thanks again

[lukesmom]

Thanks Laura- your response was helpful. Luke has always slept more than other kids and I am certain it is his HFI. As a baby, he always slept at the top end- 15 hours, 12 at night plus a Long nap-until nearly 2. I did fin a few articles on metabolism and liver recovery as it relates to sleep. I have always given him the sleep he needs, and have sometimes ren called inflexible by the hubby! Now that Luke is nearing 8, my husband wants Luke to be able to stay up later. We are going to see how it goes.