23 Month Old Still Not Sleeping - Having Night Terrors Etc.

I feel your pain!!! I have a 25 month old little boy, and he only started sleeping through the night at about 18 months. Then at about 22 months, he started having Night Terrors :o( They are HORRIABLE! What I do with my son is just sit next to him, and rub his back if he will let me. I talk to him very calmly and tell him that mommy is there and that I love him. It is so hard seeing our babies go through this! Also, what helps for us is that we go in his room and start trying to calm him as soon as we hear him start to whine. We have found that the terror either doesn't happen, or it is much shorter.

Good luck!!! and also, If you can get the two asleep at the same time, even for 20 min... TAKE A NAP! Everything can get done at another time :o)

Ask his pediatrician if it is okay to give him Benedryl. He will sleep deeper and dream less. That would mean more sleep for you! Benedryl is used for allergies as well as insomnia. I sleep much deeper when I take it. My husband does too, and he used to wake up all through the night. They have children's Benedryl. It can't hurt to ask the doctor.

D.

What are you doing when the 23 month old gets up in the night? If you are giving drink or food STOP!! It's became a habit to wake up and get whatever you are giving. If you are taking him out of the bed stop that too. Hung him and put him back in bed. Do not talk unless it's absolutely necessary. He has to learn that it is sleep time not drink, food, play or snuggle time. We have to teach our kids to sleep, which means we have to tell them what is ok and what isn't. If you're giving him what he wants then of course he's going to expect it. If you stop giving it to him he'll stop expecting it. Good luck!

I work part time for a sleep disorders center and if it is a night terror, the best thing you can do is keep the sleep schedule as regular as possible. Children who become overtired, stressed or lack a consistent sleep routine will be the ones who are most likely to have night terrors. Also, if it is a night terror, which can happen at any age, try not to hold the child, especially don't restrain; just talk in a calm voice and perhaps turn on a dim light. Night terrors happen when people have trouble transitioning between stages of sleep and get confused, anxious or agitated. Just give it a little bit of time and the incident will pass. Usually, you will begin to see a pattern and start to anticipate what time of night this will occur. If possible, wake your child up just a little while before this "scheduled" time and slowly help him fall back to sleep. This may help him avoid the night terror for that night. This plus a regular schedule may eventually help overcome any night terrors.
On the other hand, it could just be stress from having a new baby sister. My 15 month old started waking up a lot more at night and we have a 4 month old little girl, too. They have a way of letting you know that they noticed the changes around the house and are doing their best to deal with it. Good luck. I hope you are able to get more sleep soon. I truly understand your situation.

A. A.,

Your small son could very well be having bad dreams. I went through the same thing with my son and sometimes I still do, but this is what I have tried:

a. Maybe the food(s) he is eating before nap time or bedtime could be giving him nightmares.
b. If he is sick with a cold/congestion that could be contributing to a fussy sleep because he is unable to breathe. Try a humidifier in his room because he may not be getting quality air in his room.
c. I have also notice that certain cartoon shows may trigger a nightmare. Sometimes cartoons seem innocent enough but to little ones they are sometimes a little scary.
d. Try reading him a bible story before bedtime and let him know that he is loved and mommy and daddy are always there to protect him. Try putting a little night light in his room.

I hope this helps.

A. P.
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