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Five year old never sleeps in his own bed and I am exhausted

2 replies

GibbyWB · 01/08/2026 03:36

5 year old boy. Never sleeps in his own bed. Comes and finds me around 1200 every night. We have to sit with him until he falls asleep.
Has full body weight pushed into me.
I end up with minimal sleep. Never does this with his dad.

Head has to be pushed in to me, knees into me. During the day he seeks touch with me. Pulling my clothes, full body around my neck.i feel like I'm constantly needed and don't get time to myself to just breathe.

I am struggling. I'm tired, I'm worn out. My fuse is low. Today to stop me screaming I ended up hitting myself as I wanted to scream for him to just allow me to take 1minute. I feel so trapped. When I put them in the car. I end up taking a minute before getting in.

My partner thinks I'm going crazy. But he gets 7hours sleep during the night.

I get 2and half before I have two children on my pillow.

Surly this isn't manageable long term and people who tell me

Oh they are only young once and they won't be in your bed when teenagers. Haven't experienced this constant sensory need.

It's lovely I'm his safety net but right now with how tired I am. I am nobody safety net. It's not mental health but a shattered mum. Hoping

OP posts:
Ansells · 01/08/2026 03:39

No advice because I’m awake right with the exact same five year old for the exact same fucking reason.

So I don’t have the answer right.

GibbyWB · 01/08/2026 06:59

Ansells · 01/08/2026 03:39

No advice because I’m awake right with the exact same five year old for the exact same fucking reason.

So I don’t have the answer right.

I feel your pain.

It's so hard and ends up ruining fun mum for the next day. It's a circle all whilst my oh is asleep.

I'm at work now, generally happy to be at work to restart my nervous system

OP posts:
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