18 month old has had Night Terrors for months

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History of hospital stays with chest problems since birth. His sister was born when he was 14 months and he moved into his own room two months before that. He used to sleep beautifully in a cot in a room with me (where i could here him breathe!), but once he moved his sleeping deteriorated, screaming with his eyes shut and inconsolable for about an hour an a half. It's weird, our eldest was a bad sleeper but just needed a bit of comfort, nothing seems to comfort him and he bangs his head loads. He sleeps for about an hour and a half in the day with no issues.

It's been months, some nights are better than others. DH has been fantastic and did the bulk of the consoling while DD was tiny but I know do both and cannot cope. DH suggested finding a toddler psych, i'm thinking controlled crying.

Anyone have any experience of something similar?

Oh that sounds awful for you all. Afraid I have no experience but bumping in case anyone else has some good ideas...

Not as awful as my bloody typos!

DD slept through last night so i only had my terror screaming boy to deal. I just wish he could speak to let me know what is going on in his mind.

Please please please do not leave a terrified child to cry. He's having night terrors, not refusing to sleep.

When my son had them at the same age our best solution was co-sleeping. Is that a possibility?

Co-sleeping is what he does now with my DH most nights as i was with the newborn. Now she's sleeping better we're trying to figure out our next move.

tee how long did the terrors last for?

If it is a true night terror he is basically asleep, like sleepwalking and will not remember it next day, it's much worse for you than him.

Google Night Terrors - there is loads of advice out there

About 6 months, I'm sorry to say, but they weren't every night. Then he had months of just regular nightmares. He's 3 in about 3 weeks and his sleep really just settled down about 2 months ago.

I would keep co-sleeping. I found I could stop the terror in it's tracks by touching his face as soon as he made the slightest whimper. One thing that can end them is smell so I can only assume he would smell my hand and the terror would recede.

fanjo had already googled thanks. I fancied chatting with other parents in the same situation.

tee did you let him just ride it out or did you get any outside help?

No need for the snippy reply.

I have been in same situation and was trying to reassure you. And link to tips for you.

Sorry to offend though

It helped me loads to know she was asleep and not actually consciously terrified. But whatever

I just let him ride it out. I think toddler therapy is a bit silly. It's not like he could talk at that point, or at least not much.

It really is where the 'this too will pass' mantra is spot on.

You might try giving him something that smells like you? We co-slept so never tried it, but have heard it might work.

I think toddler therapy is a little daft too but you know how your thinking gets after months of no sleep!

Perhaps it's time to swap and i'll co -sleep with him until the worst is over.