I have a 2 1/2 year old boy, who has never figured out the sleeping thing. In his two years, he has slept through the night maybe 5 times. I have tried so many things. Crying it out, letting him just sleep where he falls, sleeping with me, sleeping with him, crib, toddler bed, noise, no noise. I just don't know what to do. He is healthy, but won't sleep. He shares a room with his sister, so I can't let him scream too much, but I do let him cry some, but lately I am stuck sleeping in his room because he wakes up so many times it is the only way for anybody to get some sleep. And when he wakes up is not consistant at all, sometimes it's two, sometimes it's four times a night. Ahhhh isn't he supposed to figure this out on his own sometime?
That is so hard. I know every child is so different, but I do know the greatest book that has helped me out a ton with my daughter that is also 2 1/2 years old. The book is called Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. A bunch of my neighbors recommended it and it has worked for us. I hope it help to so you all can get some much deserved sleep. Good Luck!
C.,
As the mother of a 9 year old that still does not sleep through the night, I can definately remember the frustration in those early years. I finally "gave up" and would prepare a sippy cup with water and a small cup with some crackers and set them in the corner of her bed. She knew that if she woke up that she could have a small snack and get back to sleep. It took a little bit of time to teach her that it is OK to wake up and then go back to sleep. I often would go in when she cried to console her a bit and gave her the cup of water or a cracker and then I would reassure her that she could fall asleep on her own and slip out of the room. Before long she was back to sleep on her own. It did take a while to go through the process, but it was so worth it. I knew from day one that she would not be a sound sleeper. I, too, have never slept through the night!
Hang in there. Some of us just do not follow the sleep/eat rules!
A little about me:
I am the mother of an 8 year old and a 9 year old that are 11 months apart. I have recently gone back to working full time at my kiddos' school just to keep me busy now that my babies are in school all of the time.
is he hungry? try giving him a good snack right before bed time. maybe he just isnt a sleeper?
First maybe get him to the Dr to see if there is some underlying reason he is not sleeping well. A boy that age should sleep 12-14 hours a day total and if he is waking up so much it is really not allowing him to get the sleep he needs to grow and be healthy. Does he need maybe a bedtime snack?, is it teething? Try and ask why he is waking so much and see if is bad dreams? He should be sleeping all night but all kids aren't the same. You are right to be concerned but talk with your Pediatrician first.
I don't know if it is possible or not but he may have sleep apnea. I am thinking about going in myself for some testing. It takes me FOREVER to get to sleep and I only sleep for 2 or 3 hours and then I am awake. I know it is different adults vs children but it is something to look into.
Diet could be a cause. Determine what he is eating; caffine products, sugar, ect.
Bad dreams could also be a cause. Engage him in good play or good programs, especially in the evening before bed.
C.
C.,
My son (now 3) still doesn't really sleep through the night. He is like me, a really light sleeper. Any noise will wake me up, and he's no different. He stopped screaming over it at about 18 months old though. So that is actually what I think is possible cause for concern. I think I would take him to the doctor. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask if there is something that could be going on that you (and us :) haven't thought of. There is also that sleep center in IF on woodruff that you might consider taking him to...?
C. -
This sounds like such a challenge - for you and for your son. I know that when my daughter is overtired, she has a more difficult time sleeping. I am sure with all the waking each night, he is very tired as are you.
I would love to know more about your son's schedule... when he wakes up in the morning, nap times, night time routine and finally "bedtime." Often, it can be that a tweak in the daily schedule can often help.
Is he in a crib still or is he in a toddler bed? Sometimes a crib is just not big enough for our growing kiddos, and they wake because they are a bit too confined in the crib. Just the same, if he is in a toddler bed, perhaps he wakes because there is so much room for him to roll around, etc.
I'd love some more information - and perhaps I have an idea or two for you. I am no expert, just a mom myself.
S.
My little boy did this for a few months and I couldn't take it. I read the book "On Becoming Babywise" and followed the feeding and sleep patterns in there. It took him about a month, but after that he always slept through the night. Maybe you have already tried that, but if not its worth a shot. Good luck!
You know, I've experienced different things and different phases of all kinds with my 3 children. I have no magic answers other than in my experience, it always passes and won't last forever!
