Updated: GFCF now and sleep has regressed big time...why?

[APToddlerMama]

So it has been almost a month since we took all dairy products out of my 21 month old's diet, and shortly thereafter we took out wheat, corn, things with yeast, etc. Then just this week we found out about some allergies he has and took those foods out too. His behavior has majorly improved since taking out dairy at least (not really sure about the other things), but he immediately started sleeping like crap.

In the past, he might have a spotty week, but this has been a spotty month where he's been sleeping about 2 hours less on average per night and waking up in the middle of the night very consistently. He is clearly very tired during the day but still hard to get down to sleep. It feels like maybe it is more than a coincidence. Has anyone else experienced this? Why would this happen? Does it get better?

Side note...we have added magnesium and I believe he is getting enough calcium from the Rice Milk he's drinking since it is fortified.

[wytchywoman]

I think you probably need to give things a little bit more time. He may be having some yeast die off symptoms or could be detoxing a bit. These things can take a while to resolve and clear up. What about melatonin? Do you think that might help?

[earthmama4]

We did a wheat trial for a week a couple weeks ago, and DS slept FANTASTIC the whole week, going from waking at 1 or 2am, to sleeping til 5 or 6 and taking 2 solid long naps a day. It was heaven...but by the end of the week his stools had progressed from formed to loose to water and he had a rash and weird behavior so of course we pulled it again. But the sleep was nice.

The only explanation I could come up with was if the GFCF diet is based on the theory that the gluten and casein cross into the brain creating an opiate effect then perhaps ingesting it can cause some sedation.

While generally mag is calming, in some kids it can ramp them up. My DS is one. I have to take mag really slow for him or he won't sleep.

[rockys]

I know this sounds silly...

But could he be hungry? Is he getting as much to eat? More protein before bed?

Probably a silly question but first one I thought of when I read that you were taking so many things out. Sometimes challenging to find as many to put in.

(We did the diet for three months but it didn't do anything for my son. Glad we tried it though.)

[APToddlerMama]

Thanks for all the replies. I think he is short on protein now, and I am curious if we stop the magnesium if maybe that will help. I don't think he is hungry because we do everything we can to fill him up, and he doesn't ask for food when he wakes up. Will sometimes sign for rice milk, but mostly just is up. Very rough!

[Kailey's mom]

I would say it's still withdrawl. I would give it more time (hugs)

[APToddlerMama]

Ugh! It is getting worse and worse! We started working on getting him more protein and fat and took the mag out. The rice milk is fortified with b12, and yesterday we took that out and just gave him regular rice milk, but no change. Any ideas....?? So tired....

[KimPM]

Consider the new foods you are now using. Could he be sensitive to anything in those? It sounds like something you have replaced with is a problem.

FWIW, when I tried removing dairy from my diet, I replaced it with stuff that I later figured out were big allergens for me. Things like fruit juice...not your typical allergen, but I'm still sensitive to it. Also for me, rice is a big offender, so rice milk just doesn't work for me either. Turns out I wasn't sensitive to the dairy after all, just all the things I was replacing it with!

I've also found that I react to some excipients in various supplements, so I have to check all the "other ingredients" on all my supplements.

Also, the allergies forum on here is a great place to get help figuring out if there are any hidden allergens.

[oceanbluemomma]

We had this too...

So this is the story with gluten and casein removal...when you do this you are no longer feeding the yeast, bad bacteria and viruses in the stomach and intestines-if that is where you are battling the above and more...It is like taking drugs and then stopping - the body is going through withdrawl and craving it in addition when removing those from the diet you can get intestinal tightening and cramping - usually happens at night - i.e. no sleeping... Most of our Autistic kids can not verbalize this discomfort because they do not understand what is going on with their bodies that in depth and eating will not help reduce that discomfort. Get some Baby Bliss Gripe Water - GFCFSF - I am not sure about other gripe waters.. and give it before bed. For a good solid week we had this issue with my son, we even had to give it to him in the night(about 20minutes to kick in) and he was able to get back to sleep with ease.

Is he taking any supplements? Probiotic? Do you see a DAN!?

Walmart, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Fruitful Yield all carry this product - it works awesome on relaxing the intestinal muscles...

Linda
Warrior Mom to Nick and 3 more!

[APToddlerMama]

Update...

So now we are two months into this and it has been hell with sleep. Any other ideas? Has melatonin worked for your kids and what is an appropriate dose?