Sudden sleep pattern change

I have a two year old son, Matthias, who this past Monday started waking up about an hour and a half earlier than usual. The first couple of days I figured were an anomoly, but he's continued this new pattern all week. The problem isn't so much that his sleep schedule has shifted, it's that he's obviously needing the sleep his body has started skipping. He's been cranky (well, okay, he's 2 - crankier) and rubbing his eyes, etc. showing that he's tired but unwilling to put in the extra time in bed.

His bedtime hasn't shifted recently. I'm concerned he might be having nightmares some nights, but I'm not sure why that would affect when he gets up in the mornings. We are introducing him to more grown-up foods, trying to get away from jar food, but once again, I'm not certain why that would affect his sleep patterns.

Anybody have a clue what might be going on with my little guy?

posted April 2, 2007 - 1:21am

Comments

TheMentorMom wrote 1 year 33 weeks ago

It could be a couple of different things, Jamie. He may be getting his two year molars. This can cause sleep disruptions and crankiness is some kids.

Have there been any changes in the household? Sometimes changes in routine, e.g., a parent returns to work part time, a baby is added to the mix, etc. can cause disruptions in sleep.

Finally, it could be that his sleep routine needs some tweaking. If he is still napping, maybe eliminating the morning nap or reducing the afternoon nap. You might also try putting him to bed just a little later and see if that has any affect.

Good luck to you!

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Jamie wrote 1 year 33 weeks ago

The two year molars seem the most likely problem because he hasn't had any major routine or household changes (my husband works out of our house via computer, and I'm enjoying raising our only son, most of the time anyway). He eliminated his morning nap was months ago, and I tweaked his bedtime so that I could sleep in some too. He takes an afternoon nap at 2:00, regardless of what time in the morning he gets up, and I can usually count on him sleeping 1-2 hours.

Anyway, the baby molars also explain why amidst the extra crankiness and less sleep, he has occasionally said "ow." I assumed he was having gas at the time (he has frequent gas and some tummy problems). Perhaps he was referring to his gums instead. I'll give it a try. I know I've still got some baby ambesol around here somewhere.

Thanks!

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