OK, so my 21 month old son has been sleeping peaceful 11.5 hour nights for ... so long now I can't remember. Bedtime routine has been the same also for so long I can't remember. Now all of a sudden, starting Saturday night, he wakes in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder until me or my husband goes in. He is wide awake (so no night tremors) and as soon as he is picked up he is fine and cuddly. So this makes me think he is not in pain or sick because in the past when he is in pain from teething, even if picked up, he continues to cry. I brought him into bed with me, rocked him. Last night he was fine during bedtime routine, and as soon as his head hit the mattress he started the wailing with my husband. Cried for one hour until he gave up. Then 1am, same thing, screaming, standing up in the crib. I went in, put on his music, laid him back down and told him it was time to go back to sleep, and he bounced right back up and wailed. We let him cry for an hour before I couldn't stand it anymore. Went in and got him. Soon as I picked him up, he was calling for the dog. I brought him into bed with me and he fell asleep instantly on my chest. After a half hour (I am not a co-sleeper, I need my space and I know he has the ability to sleep in his own space), he was out cold, I crept into his room and gently lowered him ... and he stayed asleep until his head hit the mattress and started screaming again. He only lasted 20 minutes this time because he was so tired and crashed ... but what the what, child??? I know I am lucky that I have a little guy who generally sleeps, but am I all of a sudden getting majorly played here? Or do you think something else is up? Heeeelp. Zombie mom today.
Re: 21 month old sleep ... heeeeeelp
Possible ear infection? Could be separation anxiety or a nightmare. You might not ever have the answer and this will probably pass but I would just give him what he needs right now. My 18 month does this occasionally and I can tell by her cries and behavior that she is completely terrified so I don't leave her to cry. I'll rock her or sleep with her until she calms down and then she's good to go.
Something is bothering him so if he's not sick, not teething (which are both worse at night, laying down), just give him some love. Don't leave him to cry for an hour. I know you're tired but this will pass.