7 m old - need to know what's happening

[Timeforanamechang]

My 7 m old DD has a bad case of chickenpox which peaked last night. Raging temperature, hundreds of spots which make her so uncomfortable it took 2 hours for her to get to sleep. She didn't want to be held or fed, was desperately trying to settle herself but was whinging in discomfort, understandably.

She then woke 3 hours later and has since been wide awake. Not seeming poorly at all, just wanting to party. Temperature is mild (38) she is just chatting and laughing to herself, slamming arms and legs on the bed over and over again. She'll then fall asleep for 5 minutes and start again.

I'm so confused and beyond exhausted. I barely slept the last 2 nights already and napping has been non-existent. Thought it was all due to chickenpox but how do you explain what's happening now? She's so hyper!

Is it overtiredness? Could it be a side effect of the chickenpox infection? Will she ever sleep again? Will I? How do I even survive tomorrow on no sleep?

Also just to explain its all very unusual for her. We've literally had the same nights for 5 months - falls asleep in 5 minutes, sleeps for 12 hours with a quick 15 minute feed around 3am. Neither the endless crying nor partying have really happened before.

I mean... If she's happy alone in bed and not crying or complaining, then why aren't you sleeping ? Leave her to it and go to bed.

@Marty13 really? You can sleep whilst a 7 month old is awake and making noise?

The slamming of arms and legs is itching, I think. When my DD had an itchy viral rash I just brought her into bed for 2 nights and cuddled but made sure she returned to cot the next night. Just think you have to ride it out and force naps tomorrow (car, pram, sling etc)

Thank you both. Honestly even DH who's the heaviest sleeper in the world came to see what was going on the happy shrieking and slamming was so loud. She eventually fell asleep and is waking scream crying every 40 mins or so, which has also woken my toddler.

I tried to bring her to bed with me but it's worse, she tries to play with my face then cries as she is tired, and won't be cuddled as her skin is so delicate. I'll keep forcing naps tomorrow, I only got 3 x 20 mins with pram and car today when usually she can nap 1.5h +. I'm at a loss really, her eyes just pop open.

Just put her down now and she keeps rubbing her eyes and writhing around trying to get comfy.
Longest... night... ever...

@Timeforanamechang we have all had nights like this. My dd had an itchy viral rash and was like this for 2 days and nights but went back to normal after that

Maybe she’s happy and wanting to play because she’s finally starting to feel more like herself? I had similar with my 7mo after a horrible water infection. Hope she’s okay and you manage to get some sleep soon x

Thank you so much. She's OK enough when awake in the day but still will not sleep. She is rubbing her tummy, scalp and face when trying to drift off so she's definitely itchy. I'm just walking her around now so she can nap.
I don't mind the sleep deprivation if I know it will end at some point but am so worried as she looks like she's lost all ability to sleep. She's probably so overtired now it's even harder for her to fall asleep. I'm the same, exhausted but could barely sleep at night from all the adrenaline!