3 year old with sleep issues

[lfb]

My three-year-old son has never been a good sleeper.  Even as an infant the slightest movement or noise would wake him up.  We tried everthing the doctor the suggested.  We have done it all from letting him cry for hours and hours, using noise in his room, dressing him warmer/cooler, giving him Benadryl etc.  Well, he has gotten a little bit better as he has gotten older, but still wakes up at least once every night to use the bathroom or something.  Sometimes he is just crying and doesn't know what he wants or needs.  Anyway, the last week he has had two terrible nights.  Last night was one of them.  He woke up numerous times crying and crying.  He never could tell me a reason but cried for about 5 minutes each time.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help him sleep better?  We have another baby due in Augsut and I would really like to get his sleep under control before then.

[flowermum]

my son is having some very serious problems with his sleeping it has been going on now for more than 6 months i have appealed to the dr for tests etc to see if it was anything to do with his hearing it turns out he is partially deaf and  other behavior  and mental problems have  also  been a issue ,i have tried everything herbal for him chamomile and lavender  , taking him to the beach, complete room change over  to a soothing and relaxing area for rest (she hoped) the thing is these things have not worked and this weekend he slept for 2 hours, he hasn't slept at all  its  boarder lining 72 hours with not even a power nap ,is there any suggestions that anyone can give to help or have a similar problem.

[neighbor7x]

I just had this problem with my 3yr old son and it turned out he had sleep apnea.  I took him to an ENT for a hearing test and the Dr. asked hundreds of questions about my son and I happened to mention that he never once slept through the night and woke up with these uncontrollable crying spells throughout the night.  One month after seeing the Dr., he scheduled surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids.  It's been 2 weeks and I feel like I have a new child.  He still wakes up sometimes, but goes right back to sleep.  No more crying, and he even gets out of bed much later than he used to.

[greenmom]

Is he afraid of the dark? I would try making his bed, and bedroom more soothing in any way I could. Why not get a soothing aromatherapy oil-burner ... lavender is wonderful, but you could even make a game out of it, and ask him what scent he likes best: peppermint, orange (well, those are usually stimulating, not soothing), but anything that makes him feel comfy. A teddy bear or doll, and definitely a night light. A glass of water near his bed, perhaps. Or just a nice picture near him or on the wall, close by (maybe a picture that you drew together), or a photo of you hugging each other. Maybe he's afraid he'll peepee on himself? Make sure the night routine is consistent.

It doesn't sound like he has any other issues, since you say sleep has always been a problem, so try those things to make it easier...good luck. - greenmom