It's the age when the fears etc kicks in isn't it? So they call out for lost bears etc for reassurance.
With DS I encouraged him to get his own bear with my help! get his own cup of water etc! and from just before age 4 he stopped calling and now never wakes at night. He does have a drink of water and things but sorts himself out happily. DD is intermittent, and has other issues eg night terrors, but she is slowly getting better ass he approaches 5.
We are only just getting past the 5am stuff with DS now - he can finally either self entertain fully or just go back to sleep. He used to wait for the sun as well. If he saw only one or two stars left he thought it was soon and just lay awake waiting for it
. I actually took it off him and gave it to DD who just glances at it to see if it morning or not ie uses it properly! And gave Jacob a digital clock instead, but he was a lot older than your DD when I did that. I think 5.5/6 ish.
EBTs only help to a degree with DS. He's just too low sleep needs. They can be useful with Megan who is more average. In DS they just encourage the EWs instead.
