2 year old sleep issues

[N3acya]

I am really struggling with my daughter and sleeping. She no longer naps during the day and hasn't for about a year, she just refuses and is just not tired. She goes to bed around 6.30-7pm every night but is waking for sometimes an 1 hour but anything up to 4 hours. She cries until you get her up and bring her downstairs, she has milk but then just lays on me, she doesn't want to get up and play or anything like that. Last night she woke at 1.30am and she finally went back to sleep at 5.15am and then up again at 8am. She is full of energy all day and doesn't stop.

I am then starting work at 6am as I'm currently working from home, I also have a 7 year old to look after and my husband has heart failure so this is mostly all down to me.

I really need some help to get this under some kind of control as I am struggling now.

Thanks.

[RachelModerator Moderator]

Hello N3acya

Sorry you are experiencing this, you must be exhausted. Would it be easier to call someone and talk it through? We can take a history and discuss what you've already tried and think about some other ways which may help .

If not, I would be thinking about what happens from tea time. What is your little one doing in the evening before bed time, are they having any screen time, bath, where are they getting ready for bed etc. Where are they actually falling asleep. Is it in bed, having a cuddle, a drink etc.

Everybody wakes throughout the night, approximately every 45-90 minutes throughout the night. Most don't remember as they automatically enter a new sleep cycle. Entering the next sleep cycle depends on several things, including the environment, comfort, noise, etc but mainly a cue that was used to fall asleep in the first place.

Another really important factor regarding sleep is the need for consistency which can be extremely difficult to achieve when you are experiencing sleep deprivation. Improving sleep long term needs to include changes which are realistic to your own individual circumstances.

Have a think how it would be best for you to access support and let us know.

Best Wishes.

Rachel Downes - Assistant Practitioner.