2 yr old will not sleep!!!

[kgway]

My son seems terrified of his room he just turned two and has never had a problem sleeping in there. He used to go to sleep at 8:15pm and wake up at 6:30am. Now he won't even go in there.
I've tried the "scaring the monsters away" stuff, I don't think he even understands that stuff.
It seems like he wakes up suddenly and starts screaming his head off.
He used to be on oxygen for his sleep apnea, but the pulmonologist's said he didn't need it anymore (about 8 months ago).
He does have an Atrial Septal Defect, but the cardiologist said it was really small (almost 18months ago).
I don't know what to do. Should i take him to the cardiologist to see if it's gotten bigger (the asd) or is this a phase?
I'm a single 21 yr old college student mom and this is really stressing us all out. he even gets antsy and whiny when he knows bedtime is coming.
p.s. i put his pulse oximetry on him tonight to see if his o2 stats go down, but any answers would be amazing or even advice. (please no monster comments lol

[adgal]

I have been reading all the posts I can find on the subject as we too are having sleep problems again.  My son is 20 months.  He will go to sleep in his room, but wakes up a few hours later screaming, the only thing that will help him go back to sleep is to sleep with us.

I have spoken to his pediatrician and she tells us it is just a stage.  She claims the only way to get him past it is to let him scream.  I am not opposed to letting them cry it out, but do not have the heart to let him scream for hours on end.  So we just let him sleep with us.  Personally, I think it is a seperation anxiety issue and for whatever reason, right now he needs that closeness.  

Keep a good bedtime routine.  Add a nightlight if you haven't already, and we also have added a teddy bear that plays soothing nighttime music (actually, I think that suggestion came from another post of Diva's). I have also tried just sitting in a chair in his room, and often gently rub his back.  He knows I am there, and it seems to make him feel safer.  So far these things have improved the situation, but have not helped him totally overcome it.  Personally, I think they will just grow out of it.  

Good luck to you.

[skepticalpeach]

He could be having night terrors. My DD did that for a long time. We just let her sleep with us until she calmed down. Then we reintroduced her to her bedroom again. Also, does he have a favorite stuffed animal that he can sleep with? I would also try playing some music while he sleeps or a peaceful video.

[margypops]

Does he sleep during the day how long and what time is his nap ,what time is it he wakes up, in the middle of the night ? another thought, has he had anything new happen recently ,just before this started ?