I've finally taken the step to consult a doctor for Xander's sleep issues. It's wearing on me. He's not sleeping more than 5 hours at night (that's a good night!). I don't get help from Nick. It was time to get help. Thursday he will be seen. The darn doc will probably just say be more consistent and get him on a routine. He's right, yes. We have a semi routine since moving, but have had many disrupted weeks.
Xander has always had trouble going to sleep. Since before he was one he has hated going to sleep. I always say that the problem is because he slept with us until he was 10 months old. He needs the comfort of knowing we are right there. For him, that means still sleeping with us. When we attempt to make him "cry it out", it goes on for hours and disrupts everyone's sleep. Nick, he LOVES his sleep and does not want to be bothered. Sterling, she LOVES her sleep, but lately has been easily woken up by the loud cries Xander protrudes for hours on end. Me, well, I can't sleep when he's screaming. I can ignore him, but I still can't sleep until I know he's sleeping. Since moving to our new home, there has been a lack of sleep. It's not good ya'll!
For the past week, it's gotten bad. In the middle of the night, I will hear him downstairs walking around. That's happened 3 times. Scary! He's started sleeping on the floor by our door, making sure it's open too. He wakes up every 30-45 minutes. Stays up for 20-30 minutes. Does the whole process again and again. All. night. long!
Last night I had the last of it. I was tired. I put up with it for 2 hours then just couldn't do it. I was tired, I needed sleep. After he called out for daddy and started walking into the laundry room, I knew he was still sleeping. Just up and roaming. I brought him to our bed at 10, even there, he was still crying out as he slept. Very restless. I still couldn't sleep with him in our bed because I had to make sure he wasn't touching Nick and disrupting his sleep. That's one angry bear when he don't get enough sleep. So, at midnight, I moved Xander and I to his bed. I was able to get some zzzz's. Not peaceful. But I got some rest. I'll take it! He was very restless, still crying out, and moving all around.
What is going on? I'm not sure if the doctor will be able to help any, but it's worth a shot. Does he already have nightmares? Are there "monsters" in his room? He does say he's scared. All. the. time! But don't all little kids say that to get out of something?
We don't have anymore trips scheduled until Christmas, so hopefully we can get him to something a little more normal. Soon please.
We've tried closing his door to keep him in. Doesn't work since he opens it.
We've tried putting the child door knob cover on, he slams it off faster than we put it on.
We've tried putting a child gate up. Doesn't work since he climbs it.
We tried putting a gate at the top of the stairs so he won't go downstairs and wander. It works at night, but not at naptime. I found him climbing it one afternoon. Now, I'm afraid to even put it at the top of the stairs because he could climb over it and fall down the stairs. Not safe. We have a monkey to protect.
Hoping for some answers and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's soon!
Have a great day!
