Question: Our son has never been the greatest sleeper. Now that he is older we adhere to a very solid routine–in bed every night by 7pm and he is up at 6am. Naptime is everyday by 12 and he is in his room for 2 hours. The problem is that at night he will sometimes take 4-5 hours to fall asleep (like last night) or will wake after a few hours sleep and play for 5 hours in the dark in his bed.
Naptimes are a battle, he is exhausted and calm when put into his crib. Within five minutes of leaving the room he is partying for the next two hours and we have a very tired boy by supper time (at 5pm). This often results in not eating enough due to being distracted then waking up hungry. I would estimate that he gets 11-13 hours of sleep a day about 40% of the time, the other days maybe 8 or 9 hours total. At least 2-3 times a week he pulls this play and squeal in bed routine for hours on end. I get pretty upset at the time knowing the results of such behaviour (a very long and challenging day after). He is happy and having fun in his room but I’m losing my marbles. Is the problem in my reaction? Or could he have a sleep disorder? My husband is a physician (internal medicine) and doesn’t see it as an issue. I have no idea where to turn since my friends all have very routine children. And I don’t think a doctor will be able to help.