Bedtime and afterimages

[JamieCatheryn]

I had this same thing at my son's age. DS, 4, is seeing glowing colors, afterimages, in the dark for a long time after the lights go out. Maybe even imagining he sees them longer than he really does, because he's still complaining of "the colors" an hour later sometimes. He acts apprehensive about it many nights. He refuses to go to sleep sometimes, gets out of bed, tries to demands I stay with him all night. I think the complaints are partially just an excuse, he never did go to bed willingly. When we watched a movie and the girls in the movie went to bed he asked if they saw colors too, he talks about it during the day at times also he's really dwelling on it.

I remember distinctly one night sometime before I was 5 laying in my bed watching the glowing blobs heading toward my mom's door, afraid they would hurt her, so I know where he's coming from. DH says he did not have the same thing as a kid and doesn't get it at all ever, I wonder if this is some kind of pathological palinopsia thing I had and he has?? He doesn't get tracers or anything weird in his vision with the lights on though. I'm just glad I know what he's talking about, I'd hate to not believe or understand him about this "colors in his room" thing.

I've been telling him it's perfectly fine and these colors never hurt anyone, that it's just his eyes remembering the light. I tell him I know it's strange but nevermind it, it really is normal so either have fun watching them or don't pay attention. I turn off the light a while before I leave him, after tooth brushing and books, before talking with him, getting his drink, praying, and saying goodnight. Still he's back up whining that there are colors in his room. Any advice on reassuring him, gently disciplining him regarding staying in bed, and if it's a condition then maybe treating it?

[Maluhia]

How about his own flashlight?

I'm not sure how it could be "an excuse" if he is honestly scared and you two remember such experiences - it is an expression of his fear and asking for your support. Can he sleep with you on nights that this scares him?

[ASusan]

I have never heard of this before. Really interesting, and neat that you can understand him.

How about a nightlight that slowly fades to darkness? Sort of the opposite of the nightlight-alarms that slowly turn on to wake you up in the morning? Would something like that help ease the transition?

[sunnygir1]

Okay, so I hesitate to write this because it sounds a little woowoo, even to me, but here are some ideas.

Acknowledge and affirm his experience. Don't try to explain it away. Perhaps tell him that sometimes people see colors like this, and that he is safe. Maybe even tell him that he can ask for them to go away; it might help.

Practice (by yourself or with your ds) a daily prayer/blessing/visualization in which you ask for/create a protective circle around your ds' bedroom; a safe space for him to sleep.

I think you could ask your doctor about it next time you are in; I don't know if there is a condition with that symptom or not.

Since he appears to be truly afraid, I would hesitate to discipline him. Just try to be there for him and ride it out; he will definitely outgrow the fear -- if not actually seeing the "colors".

[Anna GS]

I have seen those, and sometimes still do. I never even considered the possibility that it might be a medical or psychological condition, so hmmmm. I have a background as an artist so I just figured it was part of my tendency to be perceptive along with my issues with insomnia (active mind at night that does not want to take a break).

I like the suggestions to acknowledge and affirm. Maybe create some kind of ritual to do with him to go along with bedtime to tell the colors to let him sleep? Good luck!

[lifeguard]

What about a nightlight?

[JamieCatheryn]

Thanks guys. Any lights (nightlight, flashlight, leaving his room and seeing lit up rooms) just seem to make it worse, he looks at it then looks away and the afterimages are renewed, you know? I really think he's milking this thing for attention, first he's a little bit distressed by the weird thing he sees then he realizes it's a way to get attention and excuse to get out of bed. After some searching I've learned dry eyes can cause this, and more Vitamin A and less computer time may help. If I can save up for it I'll buy him some HVCLO again. I think I'll keep reassuring him and gently and firmly telling him he's safe, stay in bed.

[tangledblue]

Wow, I used to have those too, totally forgot about it. I think I would just watch them and see what they did. Lots of reds and purples. I think it even helped me go to sleep.