Hang in there - things will get easier!!!

My first son was a bad sleeper too. I remember my eyes twiching too - it's so irritating! My boy was clingy too.

Look for the book - the "no cry sleep solution" it is very good.

My advise would be to put him in you bed (make it safe eg. matress on floor or safety rail), and breastfeed him lying down so you can both get some sleep. Once you have some rest, then you can try and help him learn how to go to sleep himself.

Oh you poor thing,  sleep deprivation is a form of torture!  I agree with everything kseers has said, great advice.  My 3 kids have responded well to 3 different techniques for settling, so what works for one child may not work for another.  there is no right or wrong way to do this- only what you are comfortable with.  As your son seems to have a problem with separation anxiety ATM, I might suggest a slow separation technique, which I have used myself.  On the first night when he wakes, pat him back to sleep without picking him up.  Tell him that its bedtime and say goodnight, without saying anything more.  keep interactions to a minimum.  then on the 2nd night, tell him its bed time, tuck him in and sit next to the cot without touching him or making eye contact, until he is quiet.  On the 3rd night, reassure him and sit on the floor near the door until he settles, again without looking at him.  On the 4th night when he wakes, tuck him in and leave the room, leave him for at least 5 minutes before returning and gradually increase the time between attending to him.

An alternative to this is sitting by the cot until he is quiet, then gradually moving towards the door while he settles, eventually you should be able to leave the room while he is still awake and have him settle himself.

Can someone else take over so you can get some rest?

Just remember if you need a break, a bit of crying isn't going to hurt him.

I really hope you find a method that works for you.

xx josie

I don't really know what to suggest, but I just wanted to say that I understand and sympathise.  My eldest was a shocking sleeper - and at six months was like your child, waking every hour.  We did controlled crying and I had to get someone else to do it for me - it took hours!  It did work, but only for a short time and teh first time he got sick he reverted and it took us until he was over one to get him to sleep through again. 

It is very hard to go for long with no sleep and it affects you and your whole family.  The insomnia you are feeling I also had - and i now realise was related to anxiety/depression, which btw has very similar symptoms to sleep deprivation, so just beware of your own health and feelings and get help if you need to.  You may need some time out during teh day - go out for coffee with a friend or go for a walk, to keep yourself sane.  If you can't leave your son, take him, but you need some away from home time.

Ideas?  I would say lots of cuddle time and together time during teh day as he obviously needs it. I think it's great you are still feeding him so keep it up as long as you feel able as that will help reassure him and comfort him.  Give him lots of exercise and fresh air.  Make sure he is eating well and is full come bed time.  Make sure he is not watching or doing anything during teh day that will give him anxiety/fears - eg scary tv shows.  Have a wind down time before bed - bath, massage with aromatherapy oils, storytime etc....  Keep his room a lovely quiet retreat come bed time - nice gentle music and a night  light work well for us, plus I use an aromatherapy room spray.  Have a good bed-time routine that you do every night.

Think about what you do when he wakes up and if anything could change that woudl help - I know some people say don't talk or pick up just resettle - never worked for us - and most of the time I took him into my bed and we slept better.  Not for everyone I know, but worked for us - and not for long (he asked for his own room & bed at 2).  Maybe have a look at Elizabeth Pantley - "No Cry Sleep Solution" - there is one for toddlers.

Hope that helps in some way, but feel free to Minti Mail me if you want to vent or chat or get more ideas....

sorry to hear your in that position , i know what its . My boy was the same and i was becoming soooo drained i didnt know how i kept going. I talked to a few other parents and actually thought of putting him on phelergan,i spoke to the doctor who said i had to let him cry it out .My god it was a nightmare ,abssloutly dreadful,the first night he cried and screamed for 40 mins then slept all night the next night 30mins then slept all night the third night 10 minutes and slept all night now sleeps all night everynight.Fair dinkum it was torture for us but as the doctor said has NOT left him with any detrimental effects at all and is now a much happier boy.