Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

First let me give you the back story of DS who's having sleeping issues. He was a good sleeper as a baby till about 9 months. He went through phases like all babies. Would be a good sleeper for a while then teething so that would effect his sleep pattern. Always waking the same time when he did wake.
At 2.5 he moved to a bed and that was a nightmare. We would have to stay in his room patting his back to bed then he'd get up every few hours. Always seems like he got up the same time.
It just got worse where he'd be screaming, but half asleep so didn't even know he was up sometimes. Got him finally to sleep in his room on his own, but then he'd get up in the middle of the night so I'd take him to our room and he'd sleep on the couch. I was working full time at the time and needed my sleep so did what I had to do. When he was 3 I left my job so worked hard on getting him to stay in his room. He'd still get up at the same time, but I'd go in his room and get him back to sleep before he fully woke up. Some nights worked and some nights he'd just be screaming and crying.
A little after 4 we finally got him to sleep in his room all night and no issues. Was doing great for a year. Of course when he was sick or had a nightmare he'd get up, but for the most part he seemed to be on the right track.
He is 5 now and will be 6 in May. Over the winter break he was sick bad with the flu so I was in his room a lot. Since then he has not been good about STTN again. He is a creature of habit and body seems to automatically wake him up. I go in there and get him back to sleep. I asked DH to help one night and that was the worst nightmare. He was screaming and even hit his head. A couple of nights ago he told me he didn't want to go to kindergarten bc two kids were mean to him. I spoke with his teachers about this and they said they will keep an eye on it, but didn't understand bc the boy he spoke about was out that week. Also, it's still only half day kindergarten where we are so she said there's not any down play at all for them to interact much. I know DS is very sensitive and wouldn't lie, but I guess still hears things so that hurts him. He was in the self contained class for preschool for special ed and now he's in mainstream kindergarten. His teachers say he's doing terrific and very smart. He goes to kindergarten enrichment as well that he loves twice a week. For the most part he's a happy boy, but he's sensitive and still has some receptive delays, which I also think is the reason when he gets up in the middle of the night he's pretty discombobulated. Either that or just a kid thing.
Sorry so long. I should add I have been strict about his sleeping bc it's getting too much. I do the sticker chart, have taken things away and when he STTN he will get to play with it the next day. I'm talking small things like his art stuff bc he's obsessed with drawing and making pics.
Anyway, he's getting better again, but I don't know if this is another phase or anyone else is going through this. My 3 year old is a great sleeper and never had any issues.
He's also with me a lot lately. I work from home so he's with me most of the day. There was a point where I'd go out at night a couple of times a month with friends and DH would put him to bed. He's been great with both of us. Now it's winter and I haven't gone out as much so I am the one with him all day and putting him to bed. I went out once last month and he was a nightmare to DH. That night he cried all night on and off. It's like a switch went off and I tell DH he needs time with him. I see our guy friends take their boys out on weekends. DH did that with a father/son baseball over the Fall and did soccer.
Sorry I am going on and on, but I need a break. I think he's too much with me. We do playdates and see other people, but it's always with me. DH understands and we decided on weekends they'll do things together again.

Re: Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

I'm sorry you are going though this. You sound VERY overwhelmed.

I have two kids who were never very good at sleep, since day 1. My daughter is such a light sleeper and slept with us until she was 5. At that point I could reason with her and she transitioned pretty well to her own bed all night. Then, at 12, she developed insomnia that lasted about 2.5 years.

My son, like yours, is a very sensitive kid and takes everything to heart. When he was young, like you, I had to work and was never very strict with sleep habits. He would go to bed in his room, and about 95% of the time, he would wake up and come in my bed. This continued until he was about 7. I had about had it. I was getting so little sleep I was a lunatic.

My point is, this will pass. I think part of the problem, in our case also, is that we all developed sleep/bedtime anxiety. It was the most stressful part of the day. The hours between 8 and 11 were a nightmare. I think you need to take a deep breath and reevaluate your routine. Perhaps you can talk to your dh about HIM starting the bedtime routine. At this point, your son knows what he can get away with when you are doing it, and a new person might change his outlook. Develop a pattern of bath/shower, story, lights out. And when he argues or tries to get up, you put him back. He is old enough to understand.

You can also give him a small dose of Melatonin to help him relax. Its natural and safe.

You will see years down the road this will go away. Once they get around 10 or 11, they will sleep non stop and you will wonder if they will ever get up. My kids are now 15 and 11 and are finally sleeping great.

Re: Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

For what it's worth, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and the qualities you mention in your son are very similar to his. Not saying he has it, but definitely keep an eye out as he gets older. As he gets into first and second grade, it would be more prevalent.

Re: Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

Message edited 2/3/2015 7:27:46 PM.

Repost from parenting - 5 yr old sleep issues

I give my son Melatonin once in a while as well. We also had gotten him a weighted blanket bc he needs to feel secure.