Bizarre coincidence or am I on to something?

[Natalieclare]

The back story...

 

My 4yo and my baby are terrible sleepers. Between the 2 of them, I have become a sleep deprived, incoherent mess. My 4yo has had such weird non-patterns to her awakenings, I sought the help of a pediatric sleep specialist which was a complete waste of $435. My baby was a good sleeper for about 8 months, then he joined his sister on the mission to destroy their mother's brain and disposition. He's now 20months.

 

The coincidence...

 

The other night I gave the baby his fish oil without realizing my dh had already given him a capsule. We usually do this in the morning, but for some reason we both ended up giving it at night. The baby slept through the night. When I woke up the next morning, astonished, I racked my brain to figure out what we had done differently. As I talked it over with my dh, I said, "maybe it's because I gave him his fish oil at night." He replied, "OH! You gave him a fish oil too??" So that night we gave the baby and the 4yo 2 fish oil capsules right before bed. They both slept through the night. They did this for the next 4 nights. !!!!!!!!!.

 

They've each had a night during which they've woken up in spite of having the fish oil. Then I forgot for a couple of days, and they both woke up. Last night, I got back on track and again, they both slept well.

 

I think I've experienced enough success to make a point of giving 2 fish oil capsules right before bed. But I'd be interested to see if anyone else with a bad sleeper could get the same results. Anyone want to play?

 

Also, has anyone read anything about too much fish oil? Is there such a thing?

[Jean in Newcastle]

Hmmmm. Maybe I should try taking my fish oil at night and see if I sleep through the night! (I'm serious, by the way).

[HollyinNNV]

A fish oil overdose is likely to cause any of the usual fish oil side effects, but perhaps more severely. In particular, stomach upset can be expected. A fish oil overdose could also increase the risk of bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding (such as gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain).

 

I copied this from a website. I am sure this fish oil is prescribed by a doc for your kids right? Just call them and ask.

Holly

[Andie]

Ds4 and Dd (then 2) downed (between them) an entire bottle of Nordic Naturals (a kids formula). Poison control was minimally concerned about the fish oil, but because it was a "formula" with added vitamins, we kept a very close eye on them and cut out their multivits for quite some time. If it's straight fish oil, in dosages for kids, you're fine.

 

And I hope the sleep continues for you!

[justme]

I'm not the least bit surprised, and I would keep giving it if I were you. Essential fatty acids (fish oil among them) are used for ADHD, seizures and other neurological disorders with great success, so why not sleep? Two capsules most definitely does not seem like too much, but if you're not already, you might want to look into a children's capsule and check the dosage. They make chewable forms and flavored oils for children as well. Also make sure it is a good quality oil (molecularly purified, mercury free, etc...).

[love2read]

Is this the Omega 3 fish oil or Cod Liver oil? Cod Liver oil has Vitamin D and that is reported to have a relaxing effect on the body.

[KidsHappen]

The birthdays are coming! The birthdays are coming!

7/5 - 7/7 - 7/15 - 7/23 - 7/26

 

Was this by design or does someone just feel particularly frisky in October? Sorry if the question is too personal but curiosity got the better of me. Of course, feel free not to answer if you would rather not. :)

[Andie]

Was this by design or does someone just feel particularly frisky in October? Sorry if the question is too personal but curiosity got the better of me. Of course, feel free not to answer if you would rather not. :)

 

 

:ack2: Well, the first two birthdays are dh's and my own. (Luckily we came from the cabbage patch, so I don't have to think about our parents.... in October *lalalalalala*)

 

The first three kids of ours, though, are all July babies. We didn't plan it, but it was a mild shock when the next two came - October and May.

[mumztheword]

I'd love to contribute, but I've got to RUN to the cabinet to give my two crazies two fish oil capsules before dragging them up to bed...

;)

[5kidsforME]

The back story...

 

My 4yo and my baby are terrible sleepers. Between the 2 of them, I have become a sleep deprived, incoherent mess. My 4yo has had such weird non-patterns to her awakenings, I sought the help of a pediatric sleep specialist which was a complete waste of $435. My baby was a good sleeper for about 8 months, then he joined his sister on the mission to destroy their mother's brain and disposition. He's now 20months.

 

The coincidence...

 

The other night I gave the baby his fish oil without realizing my dh had already given him a capsule. We usually do this in the morning, but for some reason we both ended up giving it at night. The baby slept through the night. When I woke up the next morning, astonished, I racked my brain to figure out what we had done differently. As I talked it over with my dh, I said, "maybe it's because I gave him his fish oil at night." He replied, "OH! You gave him a fish oil too??" So that night we gave the baby and the 4yo 2 fish oil capsules right before bed. They both slept through the night. They did this for the next 4 nights. !!!!!!!!!.

 

They've each had a night during which they've woken up in spite of having the fish oil. Then I forgot for a couple of days, and they both woke up. Last night, I got back on track and again, they both slept well.

 

I think I've experienced enough success to make a point of giving 2 fish oil capsules right before bed. But I'd be interested to see if anyone else with a bad sleeper could get the same results. Anyone want to play?

 

Also, has anyone read anything about too much fish oil? Is there such a thing?

 

Natalie!! I could have written (ok typed) the first part of this post! I too have 2 little guys that do not sleep thru the night. My almost 5 year old has always been like this and my other just turned 4yo has been like this since about 1.

 

I am game! How much is fish oil and how do i get it? Is it a capsule or a liquid and where do you get it?

 

Wooohoooo! I am psyched (unless it is expensive then, CRAP) :lol:

[milovany]

Glad to hear this, Natalie! I have no answers for you for any of your questions, just wanted to say I'm doing some happy-dance moves on your behalf -- in the spirit, that is because my little blob is asleep on my lap.

 

Can you give fish oil to a 3-month old? ;)

[Scuff]

The health food store. It can vary in price depending on what you get. Twinlab liquid is the cheapest I've found. My kids hate it, but they know they don't have a choice lol

 

The vitamins I gave mine when they were infants had fish oil as a base, so I'm sure you'd be fine. it'd be great for them. If you're breastfeeding, I'd just take a little extra myself.

[GSMP]

That is wonderful !!!! I am going to have to tell all my friends.....

 

I wonder if it would work for a teen ager. I might have to try this on my daughter.

 

I am game for trying it...but she is a little older than your two.....but hey...if it works for teens it would be great!!

[Brindee]

So if you try it for olders (teens), would you give 3 or 4? I'll be watching here for what kinds are good.

[5knights3maidens]

I'm going to switch giving the girls the fish oil at night...maybe that will work. I too am so tired! By the way dd 4 (almost 5!) gets 1mg of melatonin at night and she still doesn't sleep through the night but it does calm her down.

[Colleen]

I think I've experienced enough success to make a point of giving 2 fish oil capsules right before bed...has anyone read anything about too much fish oil? Is there such a thing?

 

Are these capsules from Carlson Labs? What's the recommened dosage for your children's ages? Whatever it is, I wouldn't exceed that.

[GailV]

I wonder if it would work for a teen ager. I might have to try this on my daughter.

 

 

My nephew's high school wrestling coach asked the kids on the team to take fish oil. My nephew did, and his concentration levels improved immensely. He continued taking fish oil after the season was over. I'm not sure the effect it would have on sleep, but it did seem to help general brain function.

 

I think he just took adult levels, since he's nearly an adult and definitely bigger than some adults (like me).

 

I give it to my 12yo whenever I can corral her. Our issue, though, is getting her out of bed in the morning. Sigh.

[Sue G in PA]

So, can anyone recommend a good brand for kids? Capsules would be preferrable as my ds7 (the one I'm most interested in testing this on) has big time food issues. I have Cod Liver Oil (liquid) from Garden of Life. It is a lemon-mint flavor. Still can't bring myself to take it on a daily basis. I'm guessing capsules would be best. But, for kids, what brands are good? I want good quality.

[beansprouts]

Well you have my attention.

 

The question is, how do I get the stuff into them? I have never succeeded at this, so my kids only take flax oil.

[beansprouts]

I'm not the least bit surprised, and I would keep giving it if I were you. Essential fatty acids (fish oil among them) are used for ADHD, seizures and other neurological disorders with great success, so why not sleep? Two capsules most definitely does not seem like too much, but if you're not already, you might want to look into a children's capsule and check the dosage. They make chewable forms and flavored oils for children as well. Also make sure it is a good quality oil (molecularly purified, mercury free, etc...).

 

 

Where do you find the chewable form?

[GailV]

Well you have my attention.

 

The question is, how do I get the stuff into them? I have never succeeded at this, so my kids only take flax oil.

 

Honestly?

 

I use Green Pasture's liquid. I put it in a spoon and say, "Here, you need to take this." And they do.

 

I used to have them also take the XFactor Gold Butter Oil, which they hated. So now they're so grateful that they only have to take the CLO that they don't complain. We've tried various flavors and are currently using unflavored -- no complaints. It helps that they know any complaints would fall on deaf ears with a shrug and a "you'll live" if they act like I'm trying to kill them with CLO.

 

I take some, too, at the same time. With the dreaded butter oil. Without complaint. That helps.

 

Edited to Add: We have some of the Nordic Natural chewables that tinag mentions. My kids prefer taking the liquid. I guess it gets it over with more quickly.

[tinag]

This is what we use

http://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Products/Product_Details/98/?ProdID=1442

 

They are strawberry flavored. Two of my boys say they taste fine, one says they don't taste good, but takes them without complaining.

[A.J. at J.A.]

Rock and roll! That sounds awesome! Good for you.

[*anj*]

 

I think I've experienced enough success to make a point of giving 2 fish oil capsules right before bed. But I'd be interested to see if anyone else with a bad sleeper could get the same results. Anyone want to play?

 

Also, has anyone read anything about too much fish oil? Is there such a thing?

 

I think you should just go for it. Those little kid sized capsules of clo aren't enough to be unhealthy. It's also possible that they'll only need it for awhile and that within a couple of weeks their habits will change enough to help them sleep totally on their own.

 

Also....

Can I just tell you how much I love your name along with your avatar

AND your sig line. They are both just perfect and I smile whenever I see them! :001_smile: