At breaking point - DD up all night for weeks

[Susiewho]

I'd be VERY grateful for any advice anyone can offer.

DD (2 years, 7 months) has recently started getting up in the night and crying and crying, saying that she's "Scared". It all started when we moved her bedroom around a bit (we're moving it back again today). Until a few weeks ago, she was a very good sleeper.

She wakes up and is awake for hours, whining and crying. The only thing that stops her crying is getting in bed with us.

DP works shifts and has to drive long distances, so he's often shattered before he even starts work.

Last night, she woke up at about 1 for about an hour, and then again at 4.15 and stayed awake until we finally got up at 6. This is a typical night. She's then tired and 'unmanageable' all day.

I'm at the stage now when I can't concentrate on anything, my temper's too short and I'm really sick of being a mum, to be honest. I hate admiting that, but I don't know how else to phrase it. :(

Does anyone have any advice, please? Much appreciated!

I wouldn't co sleep or put a mattress down beside her bed, you wouldn't be doing either of you any favours because ultimately you're just re-inforcing the problem and you'll have to tackle it again when she's older and more determined!

My dd 4.5 is a nightmare at the mo getting up 4+ times a night for drinks/toilet/lost cuddly ect.etc. Each time we just tell her to go back to bed. The problem started because dh let her sleep with us when she was ill and it'a been hell ever since. Am with him! We have to go into het too because she creates so much she's in danger of waking ds16m up. You have my sympathies it's horrible when your lives are governed by sleep deprivation. If you're consistent though it can be sorted.

Thanks all.

Minx, I think we made a rod for our backs too by allowing DD into our bed for the first few nights. She now expects it and will try anything until she's under our duvet. I don't think she'd be happy sleeping in a bed next to us - she has to be in our bed having a cuddle.

She was fine sleeping alone for months and months until we said "OK" for a couple of nights.

Your DD sounds very similar, with the drinks and lots cuddly etc. It's awful when you're worried about other people waking (in our case it's DP and DSS who needs to be up for college), isn't it?

Consistency is key then! Thanks.

We're supposed to be leaving for a birthday party now, but she's spark out on the sofa.

This sleep deprivation has left me feeling like an old rag. I haven't done my hair properly or put any make-up on for days. I'm dreading this party because all the other mums will be looking their best...and awake!

Right! Bedroom's back to as close as we can make it and DD's settled down.

Fingers crossed! :)

Sorry to keep adding to this thread, but I was so grateful for everyone's advice yesterday I thought I'd update.

Last night was better, but not 100%. We were up at 5.30 for the day. However, she didn't wake up in the night, which was a massive relief. I think putting her bed back in its old position and involving her in this has really helped.

Fingers crossed that she'll be asleep for another hour or two in the morning soon.

Thanks again, everyone. :)

Good good, v glad to hear it. Hopefully a few more nights and she will have settled back down to normal...

No consolation, but we had a 5.30 start as well, and I went out last night. It's going to be a long day...

And remember, don't change anything ever again

Oh, Lukewarm, I feel your pain! Good luck with today.

No, she's having her room exactly the same until she's 18 (and will then be asked to leave the premises).

Glad things went a bit better last night.

Don't want to sound all woo and loopy, but when I was a kid my bed had to be a certain way round. I just could not sleep with the the other way round (on the opposite wall) and would often wake up upside down in the morning :)

My partner reckons he can't sleep across ley lines.