As a sleep consultant, I’ve worked with families navigating bedtime battles, frequent wakings, and exhaustion that seems never-ending.
But nothing prepared me for the moment I realised my daughter — who appeared to be sleeping well — was quietly struggling with a sleep disorder.
This is our story. One that I now share not only as a mother, but as a professional who understands the science of sleep and the power of trusting your instinct.
A Seemingly Perfect Routine
My eldest daughter had a solid bedtime routine.
She went to bed early, occasionally still napped at age six, and woke up at consistent times. Her sleep seemed fine.
She also had a healthy eating schedule, emotional awareness, and what looked like a well-regulated rhythm.
But something began to change.
The Subtle Signs I Nearly Missed
She started avoiding physical play.
No more scooter rides or afternoon park visits. Even walking felt like an effort.
At first, I assumed it was emotional — maybe we needed to deepen our work around understanding feelings and frustration.
But those conversations began to frustrate her even more.
She couldn’t put into words how tired she felt — and I couldn’t yet see how much her body was carrying during the night and day.
She wasn’t just overwhelmed.
She was exhausted.
And she didn’t know how to say it.
Bedwetting, Mood Changes, and a Mother’s Instinct
Then came the bedwetting.
She had been dry since age 2. Suddenly, it returned — and I was told by general practitioners, “It’ll pass. Many children outgrow it by age 7.”
But my instinct said otherwise.
We checked her iron levels and found they were low. We corrected them, and her mood improved dramatically.
But the fatigue remained.
The bedwetting continued.
And I couldn’t ignore one more thing:
On some nights, I could hear her snore softly — and occasionally gasp, or shift restlessly.
It was subtle. No dramatic pauses. No choking. But something was off.
As a sleep consultant, I recognised the red flag: possible sleep-disordered breathing.
Getting Answers: When the Checklist Isn’t Enough
She didn’t meet the “typical” criteria for sleep apnea.
But I knew what I was seeing — and I pushed for a referral to an ENT specialist.
We were fortunate to find a doctor who listened.
Despite her mild symptoms, he took my concerns seriously. After a nasal endoscopy, the cause became clear:
Her adenoids were severely enlarged, blocking airflow and silently fragmenting her sleep.
The Impact of Treatment
She had surgery shortly after.
From the very first night post-op, the transformation began:
- No more bedwetting
- Her pale skin regained colour
- Her appetite returned
- Her energy soared
- And most beautifully — she smiled, laughed, and played again
She wasn’t just sleeping. She was resting. Her body was finally healing during sleep, instead of fighting for air.
What Every Parent Should Know
Snoring is often dismissed as harmless in children. But snoring is never normal.
Even mild sleep-disordered breathing can lead to:
- Mood changes
- Cognitive fatigue
- Attention difficulties
- Regressive behaviour (like bedwetting)
- Delayed physical or emotional development
If your child sleeps through the night but still wakes tired, loses interest in movement, or simply isn’t thriving the way you know they could — trust your instinct.
Even when everything seems “fine” on the outside.
From Mother to Specialist: A New Perspective
As a certified sleep consultant, early years educator, and behavioural specialist trained in additional needs, I’ve always believed in personalised, holistic care.
But this experience deepened that belief.
Sleep isn’t just a routine. It’s a vital pillar of health.
And sometimes, it takes a parent who refuses to accept “just wait” as an answer to uncover the real cause.
I share this story for the families who are searching for answers in the quiet moments.
For the parents who know something isn’t right, even if they can’t name it yet.
If your child’s sleep, energy, or behaviour has changed — and you feel unsure — I’m here to listen.
🩺 Book a free 30-minute consultation, and let’s find out what sleep might be trying to tell you.
📩 https://beesymum.com/contact/
