HELP. 3 and 4 ur old wakening 5-7 times a night.

[Rhymerocket]

My 4 year old is autistic and has little language understanding. He generally sleeps ok but wakens at least 1-2 times a night. My 3 yr old is a bloody disaster. They both take a cup of watery juice to bed but the little one wakens 5-7 times a night. That's an average night. They share a room and generally he's easily settled ie go in change his nappy and top up his cup. I know this is terrible but I haven't a clue how to stop it. Please help.

Assuming there is no medical need for additional fluids in the night, I would ban drinks in the night time.

You could half do this by allowing water only, but if it was me and given your situation, I would outright ban all night time drinks.

They won't like it, but it will remove at least one of the reasons they wake. In addition it should stop the need for night time nappy changes, since they will be drinking (therefore weeing) less.

Neither will like this and you may well have a few very hard nights while they test your resolve. But if you stick to your guns they will soon enough get it and stop waking for a drink (and also nappy).

Thanks Fate. Do you think I need to ban drinks including the one they have going to sleep?

Yes. They shouldn't have anything with sugar in it like juice after they've brushed their teeth anyway. DS1 has a large twist-top bottle of plain water by his bed to help himself in the night if he wants it, which he rarely does, and I certainly don't bother with night time nappy changes at his age.

Ok girls. Thank you very much. I'm going to start this tomo night. I'm desperate for some sleep.