Toddlers Not Sleeping.... HELP!! I NEED SLEEP!

L.,
Ok,its great that I found this,because my 22mo old daughter has been doing this for at least 3 months now.Its taken me all this time to finally figure it out. Too long a nap in the afternoon and not enough physical play.Example: Yesterday it was cold and rainy,so we spent the day doing puzzles,reading,chasing the ball thru the house,watching a few shows...she had a 2hr nap in the early afternoon.And was up at 3am.
Sleep deprivation is horrible.Hopefully this helps you so you dont end up like me...3 mos later looking for an answer.~laughs~

I feel your pain - I've been in this situation! You've probably tried these things: make it all business when they get up. Nothing exciting whatsoever - just lead them back to bed. Don't get mad, just stay calm and matter of factly lead them back to bed. I'm sure you've tried the obvious - need another stuffed animal or doll? Music on a timer? Hall light on? Hall light off? Door opened or closed?

I also put up a gate in the doorway to my daughter's room. She did climb OVER it, though.

My best suggestion is to make a visit to see Nancy Birkenmeier at St. Luke's in Chesterfield. She's an RN at the Sleep Medicine Research Center (or something like that). My 2 hour visit (with me doing most of the talking about my situation) cost me only a specialist's co-pay and it was the best $20 I had spent. (That was about 8 years ago.) She laid out a plan specific to our situation and we followed it and it worked. I could have kissed the ground she walked on!
Good luck.

try shortening their nap and keeping them up a little bit later. it could be they have gotten to much sleep andrest during the day. also ensure that they aren't wet/needing to potty. Otherwise sounds like they arent getting enough stimulation and playing hard enough.

Hi L.,
I am not sure if it was you, but i posted an event to someone about Nancy (____@____.com's Sleep Center)speaking at my child's school. Unfortunately it took place on Monday, Oct. 5th....in saying this, I went and listened to her. She is good, make an appt with her. She said most insurances cover her and she will guide you in the right direction. I am sure she is listed on internet.
Good Luck,
D. S.