My Almost 4 Year Old Wakes up Through Out the Night

Hi J., I feel your pain! I have a 4 1/2 year old little girl and we've pretty much always have had sleep issues with her. What we do now is we have a "nightmare spray". I had some lavender pillow spray that someone had given to me when I was pregnant (Bath & Body Works). I spray it on her pillow everynight before she goes to bed or if she takes a nap. It helps a lot. We tell her it will help her sleep, to relax, and will chase away all the nightmares and/or bad things. She will still come out of her room before she finally goes to sleep about 2-3 times a week and she still comes into our room 2 or 3 nights/mornings a week due to "nightmares", but it's A LOT better than it used to be! Oh, she also sleeps with a radio/CD on. She sleeps with the speaker right in her bed with her-right next to her ear! She insists on having it that way. If it helps her sleep then we're all for it!!
I hope this helps! Good luck!!

Hi J., my name is L.. I only have one child, a five year old boy. At one point he would have nightmares as well and would crawl into bed with us during the night. I'm a nurse and my husband is in the military, so sleep was a must for all of us! Try a white noise or specifically asking what the noise sounds like. It may be your heater, or something else that isn't likely to be heard by parents. My son used to tell my husband and I that there was a "man" in his room! It scared us at first, and so I seeked help from a good friend of mine who works with children at our church. She referred me to a great book called, The Indigo Children and Food for the Indigo Children. It's difficult to believe at first, but you'd be surprised by how much sense it can make, and how much it describes your child. Go to your local bookstore and look it up. Best of luck to you and your family!

Have you tried white noise like a humming sound? My daughter has a pooh bear music/light projector that she can hit if she wakes up. You can set it for 5 to 15 minutes. Cool mist humidifier also helps. We got a cow shaped one at Target.

My first question to you is , does your son eat or drink sweet things in the evening? I am wondering about the effect of sugar and or caffeine on sleep habits. My daughter was alway kind of laid back, but if fed sugar in any form would get hyper.

One thing linked to nightmares, what is he being allowed to watch movies, tv etc. Often things that are considered appropriate especially for boys are violent and magical and can be scary for a little one. Sometimes I even question the appropriateness of "G" rated kids movies and cartoons. You may want to be more conscientious of what he is viewing and preview things before you allow him to see them.

This is just proof to me that Ferber doesn't work. Maybe temporarily but not long term. I suggest the No Cry Sleep Solution. It is gentler - takes patience but is worth it.

hi J., We had similiar problems in our house and my son is now and a half. I found an excellent book called Sleepless in America! I loves it and I read the feber, the no cry all of them. This one is great. We also introduce our son to the Good Morning FAiry;) she comes when he has slept through the night, until the sun comes up or mom and dad wake him whatever you decide. She leaves a special treat! Can be small things from the dollar store, party store etc... we left something every motrning in his room on the night stand etc.... like the tooth fairy. At first we use big motivating things like webkinz... or leapster games, whatever will motivate your son....then once he gets the hang of you you can scale down to samml inexpensive treats! It got to the point where he loves waking up to find his prize, books, gum, stickers, bouncy balls, playdough whatever...... After 10 weeks you should be able to ween him and if need be reintroduce her for a visit every Now and then. My son now sleeps every night all night Finally! the good morning fairy still visits sometimes... Good luck

Have you tried something in his room (say a small fan or the white noise of a soft radio) that would cover the noise of the heater kicking on?
The only other thing I can think of is to show him what you want him to do when he wakes up. Whether it be getting a book, or some other quiet activity. Then he has some control over it. Avoiding stimulators like the TV of course. That way even if he is up at least he isn't doing anything harmful and you are getting through the night with a good night's sleep.
Hope it works out soon!