Help 23 mth Not wanting to go to bed and won't stay in bed

[Saz73]

I'm asking this on behalf of a friend. 23mth old child use refuses to go to bed, climbs out of his bed and even over the stair gate. Eventually falls to sleep any time between 11pm and 1am. Tried everything, milk, changing nappy and taking him back up to bed each time but once asleep the child is waking up every few hours, screaming, crying, shouting.

Anyone please got any advise.

go dtheresa any number of factors could be lplaying a part here

routine; whats his day and night routine... is he getting enought/too much/too late sleep in the day
what was his routine and has this changed.
has anything major chnaged in his life (like a house move? just started nursery?)
is his room on his own? is he maybe afraid of the room? or to be alone?
is he ill at all?

bedtime routine? is he winding down properly, being given clear signals at same time every day that bed is coming?

Thanks for replying lilymunster. No change in routine or home life, been in his own room for a long time.

Has a nap in the morning approx 1 hour, eats a healthy diet. Use to be a really good sleeper up til about 3/4 weeks ago.

so something has happened... even if its a wee nightmare that he hasnt gotten over (is v hard to distinguish between imagination and fact for a 2yo|)

does he seem distressed, or like hes playing up/having fun?