Hi,
I'm hoping this won't be too long of a read but I will try and include everything I can think will help people answer.
I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old who, for the past 4 months have been an absolute nightmare with sleeping! (I say nightmare it could be worse, and has been, but I'm so drained and exhausted it feels like my body and mind are slowly giving up)!
Our bedtime routine has always been the same since DS1 came home from the hospital 4.5years ago:
6pm - bath
6.30pm - milk and a little snack before bed whilst reading a book
7pm - bed (both go to sleep perfectly, no hassle and asleep by 7.10pm)
10pm - take DS1 to toilet before we go to sleep
DS1 will get up during the night, maybe 3-4 times a week and wake us, usually around midnight, which is not really a big deal as he does go back to sleep soon after and can sleep until 6.30am - 7am.
The problem lies more with DS2 as he seems to be waking at 4.30-5am every single morning and won't go back to sleep. Have tried putting him back to sleep when he wakes, giving him a drink (water) and back to bed, tried giving enough food/drink through day, lots of protein, changing bedtime to later/earlier, napping times (currently naps 12.30 - 2pm), tried no napping (he won't nap at nursery), changed the routine around a little and did snack before bath but that then turned out worse and they wouldn't go to sleep.
Everything just seems to make it worse, but as soon as he's awake he awake and on the go. He doesn't stop and we have to hold him to go to sleep and put him in his bed drowsy but awake (he used to self settle but he won't do that now and jumps around the place, whereas he'll drop off instantly with a little cuddle and being put down before fully awake).
I'm just not sure what to do, any advice will be appreciated!