My two year old awakens at night...alot!

[kgstead]

My little girl is waking up 2-4+ times during each night. She generally goes right back to sleep. She seems to need to see my face. While she has always done this, I am feeling like maybe I'm doing something wrong. She does still take a two hour nap mid day. She needs it! I also need it. I am expecting her little brother and am really hoping she'll continue her nap for another year or so. And two year olds still need their naps...don't they? Any ideas on getting her to sleep thru the night? Thanks!!

[MommaC]

Yikes! I can't believe you've gone this long without a full night's sleep! I'd be a walking zombie! Poor you, and poor daughter--a number of problems can result from sleep fragmentation/disturbed sleep. I'd HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mark Weissbluth's, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It has been a lifesaver for us and for a number of our friends. I skimmed a couple chapters real quick before I replied...YES, she still needs a nap. She shouldn't be waking at night, and if she does, she should be putting herself immediately back to sleep without you. Is she on a pretty good schedule? What times does she go to bed and wake up? What is her bedtime routine like, and how long does it take? What does she do when she wakes up at night? What do you do when she wakes up at night? (Hey! Who's asking the questions here?! ;) )

[kgstead]

Thanks for your response!! She is on a very regular schedule. She goes to bed at 8pm and is asleep within just a couple of minutes. She wakes up in the morning around 6am. She generally wakes up for the first time at 12:30am and calls for me until I show up. She usually lays back down or asks for a drink. She then goes promptly back to sleep until the next time which can be anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the night. I tell her to go back to sleep if I talk to her at all. I have read that speaking to them can wake them further and I definetly don't want that!! I think I may look into the book you recommend. Thank you and if you have any ideas....I am open to just about anything!!

[MommaC]

Well...the night-waking habit obviously needs to be broken. Maybe try reducing by one waking at a time? If you're only going into her room 3 times, give her three pictures (tape them to her wall or headboard). Explain that she can only call you 3 times. The first time you go in, remove one picture and remind her she can only call you 2 more times. And so on.

And I think shooting for an earlier bedtime might be helpful, too (according to Weissbluth's theory, anyway!). Try scooting it earlier just by 15 or 20 minutes for 4-7 days and see how it's going. If it's working well, scoot it by another 15-20 minutes and see how that goes.

I wish you the best! :)