3 year old not sleeping - please help!!

[samantha23]

Hi All-
Looking for some advice/help.  My 3 year old has been a great sleeper until now.  We always had structured routines and time for nap/bed. He doesn't leave his bed and calls for us when he needs something or wakes us. Well...almost two weeks ago he got sick - stomach pains that results in 3 trips to the ER.  He is on the mend now but not sleeping AT ALL.  He cries for us or whines for many hours at night.  I don't know how to fix this.  We gave him sleep rules, ignored him, talked to him, tried to bribe him, tried to reprimand him and even tried reward charts...nothing is working.  We are all wiped out.

He "used to" wake around 6:30 am, take a 1-1.5 hour nap (1:30 - 3) and down for bed 7:30/8pm.  If he doesn't take a nap, we try to put him down 6:30/7. 

Any advice./suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

[irish3680]

My guess is that he is OT. 7 hours of A time before his nap is a lot. My alost 4 year old would have a very difficult time with that. I would move nap earlier, maybe in bed at 12:45 hopefully asleep by 1 pm. Then stick to the 1-1.5 hour nap so wake him at 2:30 and then bed at 7 pm.

[momtonb&ab]

I would agree with pp in so much as he probably is OT from being sick and needs earlier (and longer ) naps for a few days and early bed time.  He may be afraid from the ilness so I would respond and comfort him as much as you can - I think it will get you all back to normal faster.