My 21 month old (4th son) has not trouble falling asleep, but has difficulty staying asleep.?

Question

I am a stay-at-home mother of 4 boys (18, 13, 4, and 21 mos.). I have encountered situations with the youngest two that I never encountered with the oldest two. My youngest son falls asleep easily, but doesn't stay asleep. He wakes up at the closing of a door or the click of the alarm clock when it's switched on. He's been this way since birth. If he falls asleep in his car seat, the moments he is picked up, he's awake and will often stay awake. He obviously doesn't sleep through the night. He has, but will still whimper and is quite restless. The all night sleeping is extremely rare. If he skips a nap, he's even more restless at night and will wake up 3-6 times. If he's kept up too late or had an extremely busy day, he wakes up 3-6 times. If he's too hot, he'll wake up. Cold doesn't seem to bother him too much. Conditions seem to have to be just right in order for him to sleep through the night. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

wow 21 months is a long time to go without sleep (for you I mean)!

It sounds like he isn't well rested and has a hard time getting into a sleep rhythm.  I would take him to the ped and ask for a sleep specialist.  This may be a challenge because in my experience, most dr's don't like to talk about sleep issues.   But I have read that some children don't produce enough melatonin which is what promotes healty sleep.  

If he is fine medically, you can try a white noise machine or some type of fan or air cleaner in is room to provide a steady sound that he can get used to to drown out household noises.

Answer 2

Are u bathing him just b4 time to lay down? If not, u should try doing this every night 2 calm him and settle him down @ night...he should sleep longer and be more rested!!!

Answer 3

give him some brandy... just a dab off you finger...