My 18 month old son who has been sleeping through the night for over a year now has suddenly started waking up at least once a night/ early morning screaming. It is not like night terrors or anything like that. (Daughter had those) I thought maybe bad dreams because I know those do start around 15 months or so. I also have treated the teething problems when had those and also gave gas drops because we have had those problems as well. He used to be able to put himself back to sleep but now he screams and screams even if I go to comfort him he is climbing up onto me and will not calm down and fall back to sleep unless I rock him and even then it takes like up to an hour sometimes. Any thoughts on what else could be going on (illnesses that may cause this?? or anything) I just don't know what else to do. We have no trouble with bed time routine and falling to sleep on his own when I lay him down for bedtime but the awaking and screaming to go to sleep has started at nap time now as well.

Karen

have you checked for fevers

he could be constipated also

have you recently weaned him from breast or bottle?

have you moved recently?

did he make a switch from your room or into a different bed?

also you could be settling him down for sleep/nap too early or too late

also whats in his diet what do you feed him or give him to drink

stuff with high fructose corn syrup,sugars and dyes in it definetely play a part with a kid having LOTS of energy just try it he will be a little calmer

has there been any recent changes like some one moving out of your house or some one moving in or did you get a new pet

and it even could be allergies now that the warmer weather is here

but dont feel bad my 14 month has the energy of a bull and NEVER sleeps we are usually up to 4 am with her!!

The last week he has been back to sleeping through the night. I hope it was just a fluke of him getting over being sick. He had a stomach bug before the sleeping troubles but is back on track. He only woke up for about 3-4 nights but not while he was sick only the week afterwards. His diet is good he only drinks water during the day. He has juice once a day and milk sometimes twice a day or just once. I follow the food guidelines for his age and serving sizes. I have an AA in early childhood development and education so I know what his nutrition and all should be like. I think his digestive system was just getting back on track from being sick. Thanks though. Hopefully all will stay well now.