HELP BABY NEVER SLEEPS (long)

mrs.w0706 · August 2009

My son has severe sleep issues. I have tried everything. He doesn't want to sleep in his bed and so for the last 8 almost 9 months I've been letting him make his way into our bed every night out of desperation. However, now that is not even enough to sooth him. It has evolved to the point where he literally will get about 8 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period naps and all. He's often up from 1-3 a.m. just wanting to be awake, he wakes up every 30 minutes during the night, he wants to kick and cry and roll every which way and if I'm not there holding him for it he will scream until he gets his way.

I have tried day after day, week after week of holding tough, trying to establish a routine, I've tried letting him cry, everything and anything the books suggest but nothing works. The odd thing is that while I'm losing my mind he seems to be fine as if he doesnt need the sleep. He is ahead of schedule on development and very healthy and happy. That said, I can't handle the 4-5 hours of broken up here and there sleep he allows me to get at night. Please if you have any constructive advice let me know!

Thank you

LuLu38 · August 2009

I am a first-time parent and have kind of lucked out with a good sleeper. So, probably can be of little help. But, do you try the same thing for several days at a time, or do you try something new every night? I say this because they say that a habit takes some time to establish. They say three days, but I say a bit longer. So, can you try the same thing for a week or so? I know CIO is really tough, but if you know he is not hungry, can you decide not to go in from 1-3 and do this for a week or so? I don't know if I am making myself clear. But, just trying to speak to the concept of habits. Sounds like he needs to learn that you are not going to rescue him and that he needs to work through it on his own. I know this is controversial, because I am not entirely on board with CIO. But I think there is a difference between "angry" crying and "I really need my mommy" crying. Good luck. Sorry I can't help too much.

Court0026 · August 2009

When my LO was a terror about sleep was scheduled a consult visit with the pediatrician to discuss. She spent at least 30 minutes with us making a plan and talking about the issues. That might help if there is an underlying problem?

LuLu38 · August 2009

yup, I think you are right about talking to pedi.

annabelle.27 · August 2009

I have the same problem, except my son is 16 months and down to sleeping as little as four hours a night and doesn't really nap. My son is also very active, happy, and healthy, he's just awake. I wrote this post the other day:

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/20965500.aspx

I'm seeing doctor #6 soon about this issue (I saw #5 the other day, she referred me to a specialist). Hang in there, I know it's rough Sad