My 17 month old son doesn't sleep for more than 4 hours. he is a healthy and growing kid. but sleeplessness makes him cranky and often violent. we are also sleep deprived.what should i do?

He needs help: Too little sleep can cause this. Could be due to staying on the computer too long at night. Could be early bipolar disorder or substance abuse. Should see family doctor to rule out physical causes, psychiatrist to rule out emotional causes, sleep specialist to rule out primary sleep disorder and a sleep psychologist to get him help with behaviors that might be making it worse and for treatment to make it better. Good luck.

Could be: What are you doing to help him sleep? Have you tried any kind of sleep training? 4 hours is not enough sleep for a 17month old. Get help to help him sleep more. It might seem impossible, but if he isn't sleeping you aren't sleeping and that makes it hard for you to think straight. Ask you doctor. Read sleep books for babies. Go online, look for support in baby forums. Best to you and baby.

IMP to B evaluated: Ensure he get a thorough evaluation to rule out psychiatric causes of insomnia and mood lability (like bipolar). He is entering the age when it classically presents in males.