so so tired

My 2 year old son has not slept one full night since birth, he was a colicky baby, and at that time the doctor gave him zantac for reflux. All that has passed, now we are struggling with him getting up at least 4 times a night!!! Last night was 7!  I put him to sleep by reading him stories and sitting in a chair beside his bed until he falls asleep. When he awakens he wants his sippy cup, I think he substituted his sippy for the bottle, I broke him from the bottle at 18 months, he is just very restless sleeper. Most nights I just lay in bed with him, that comforts him for awhile then I go back into my own room and within an hour or so he is calling again, sometimes it is to much and I sleep in his room, but he still awakens and wants the sippy even if I am with him.  He couldn't be that thirsty, he drinks enough during the day. Honestly, I don't know how to get him to sleep through the night.  Oh, and some days he takes a nap and sometimes he just won't go to sleep....any advice would be appreciated.

[specialmom]

Ugh.  Just reading your post makes me tired.  I have two boys and we've worked through various things.  My younger son never slept through the night until 16 months no matter what I did.  My older son had issues with not wanting to go to bed and waking up.  What helps both boys is a fan in the room.  It blocks out the little noises that might wake them at night.  We also keep a water cup or sippy cut right by their pillow.  It is always there and it is a routine that they know it is available to them for a sip of water at night.  They have a night light too as well as favorite blanket and stuffed animal.  I do not prolong any type of bedtime routine.  I'd not sit by his bed until he sleeps as that prolongs the problem.  Read a story.  Kiss good night and then say, I've got to go get something, mommy will check on you in a minute.  Then go off for 5 minutes and then check back and say night night.  Then go off for 10 more minutes, etc.  Eventually, just say good night and leave.  During the day if he is clumsy, crabby or anything bad happens----------  say, "oh, that is because you are tired.  We need our sleep at night to have a good day!"  Keep saying it as it will eventually click.  I can say to my boys now-------  okay, go to sleep because you want to have a good day tomorrow.  And they totally get it.  If yo are having issues on nap days--------- make it routine.  Call it quiet time and he gets in bed no matter what during that time.  He can read books and play quietly if he won't sleep.  But keep it controlled and short.  No super long naps even though I know you like the break.  But better to sleep at night. good luck

[mammo]

I totally agree with the excellent advice from specialmom.  But I would like to add that if your son is drinking all the liquid he requests during the night as well as drinking a lot during the day, then you want to address this "constant thirst" with his pediatrician. It could be a symptom.