2 Year Old Waking During the Night

I have three daughters, ages 9,7 and 4. My two oldest daughters both suffered from night terrors by varying degrees. My oldest would whine and cry but not be responsive to my voice. I would sit by her and talk soothingly until she settled down. My middle child had night terrors almost exactly like what you are describing. She also talks in her sleep regularly. She would scream, thrash, cry, moan and sound like something horrible was happening to her. I would try to hold her but it just made it worse. Finally I started to just sit beside her and talk to her or sing until she calmed down. It seemed to be more stressful for me than it was for her. The longer it went on, the more she expected me to move her to my bed. She had to learn that I was there for her but that these terrors weren't a reason for her to sleep with me. My 7 yr olds night terrors started when I started working a different shift and she had to start day care. She no longer has any night terrors.

It could be an age thing we went through the same thing with our 2yr old daughter she's a great sleeper but once in a while we would go through a week or two of her waking up crying so, we would lay next to her tell her mommy and daddy are here and she would go back to sleep. I also know that when we moved she did it more often and again when my husband worked some late hours and she did see him as much. If there has been any change in her life that could also be causing it.

I am sure it's just a phase and before you know she will be sleeping like she was.

when you sleep your mind acts like a computer when it defrags and with everything going on in your family life it is no wonder she is having problems. nothing to be alarmed about. because she goes to sleep afterwards and doesn't seem to remember it the next day I am sure the only people she is bothering is her mommy and daddy

Wow, I am not sure. My 3.5 year old wakes up at least 3 times a week and is unconsolable and thrashing but I can talk to him and he will answer me. It usually only lasts about 5-10min for me and if I lay down and talk to him he seems to settle and not wake again.
I was going to talk to my doctor- so I will keep in touch and tell you what I hear!
Good luck
N.

Hi Nicole, You know it is scary when a child has a nightmare especially every night!! Although you must remember, your daughter has had a life altering experience, YOU went back to work! She has never known this lifestyle, Oh by the way congrats on the job!!! I think the nightmares will calm down once she gets use to you being away from the house during the day. If they don't stop I would then see your pediatrition. GOOD LUCK, S.

Have her two year molars come in yet?
Mine used to have nightmares, and he was very upset and combatitive when I tried to soothe him. He did better if I just left him alone to go back to sleep.

Our son did that too, from ages two to three. His didn't last quite so long, but it was really strange. We just stayed in the room with him and consoled him until he calmed down. Sometimes he did it again later and sometimes he was calm for the night. Sorry, no advice, but reassurance that your child is not the only one.

Nicole,
Your daughter may be trying to get more of your attention. Since you have gone back to work, she doesn't see you as much. You might want to do some mommy/daughter time. Take her to a fun place where you and she can spend quality time together.
J.

Nicole,

It does sound like night terrors to me. My son had them for quite some time. Sadly, for our sanity and sleep, we let him in our bed - but I don't recommend that. It took a long time to get him back out. Even though she responds to you - she may still be asleep. If the Noggin works (which I haven't a clue on what that is) - I would just go right to that and comfort her as best you can. Best to you!

My two year old who is almost three did the same thing. She was an awesome sleeper until she turned two. Up until that time she didn't want to sleep near us or to be rocked to sleep she just wanted to sleep in her bed. It will pass. I just had to go in and console her. It lasted on and off for a couple of months. My first child did the same thing, except she would scream a terrible scream if i left the room. But that two only last a few weeks. I think for some reason around that age they go through some kind of sleeping stage. I think your daughter is perfectly normal and this stage will pass shortly.

N., I would still guess from your description that it's a night terror. My son's starting when he was 23 months old. They frequently occur an hour or two after the child has fallen asleep. My son would kick, scream, hit his head on the floor/wall, etc. I doubt it's any manipulation. Greatest contributing factor is apparently insufficently sleep or a change that has caused a child to sleep less. In our case, it was originally when we took away my son's pacifier at night (he had excema near his mouth). It was also happening at naptime frequently for us. Try to get your daughter to sleep a little earlier, make sure she's taking naps (my son gave up regular naps when he 2 or so, but sometimes I still force a nap when he clearly needs one). He'd go months without a night terror but still occasionally has one. Good luck.
S.

Is she taking prescription meds, like asthma inhalers? If yes, maybe try a natural alternative. If no, maybe she just needs a bit more of Mom when you get home, a few focused minutes reading or playing.

Sometimes around the age of two a child becomes more clingy to thier parents and end up feeling more separation anxiety. Has there been a lot of stress lately? My own daughter went through this around this age as well. She was always sleeping next to me since she was a baby. For the first couple months she slepped soundly on her own but then she would wake up the same way. It takes time and reassurance but I wouldn't be to concerned yet. The two's are a little hard at first lots of new changes and they are most certainly more aware of what is happening.

Sounds like night terrors to me. We had issues with this. We moved our son's bedtime back 15 minutes and then again. He continues to sleep through the night, but now is not having night terrors. Our pediatrician told us it happens when kids are too tired when they go to sleep.

K. Park