Questioner: Joanne
Subject: 3yr sleeping
Question: Hi, My boy just turned 3 last week but for many months now (not every night) he will wake up in the middle of the night and do 1 of 2 things.. 1. come wake me up to put him back to bed – no problem doing this except it is 4am or 2. wake up in the middle of the night (1am tonight) and talk (very loudly) in his bed for 2-3 hours. This then wakes us parents but thankfully not his sisters. He is then one very grumpy boy in the morning. How can I get the night waking up to stop. He does have a 1hr nap during today however yesterday he did not and he is still up. Thanks, jo
Answer: Dear Joanne:
I have numerous posting on this site on the topic of getting children to sleep.
Make sure to start about an hour or so before bedtime. Turn down his environment by shutting off the noise, tv, radio etc… Set the relaxing mood each evening and then set a routine and stick to it. Read stories, bath time and a massage before bed should help him to sleep deeper.
Eventually a full night will be the norm. It is not unusual for children to not sleep through the night for several years. However, by establishing routines geared towards relaxing him from the days activities you will increase the probability of a deeper sleep.
By the way both bathing and massage lower body temperatures which help us to sleep better.
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
