there are some good comments here

maybe take him to a sleep doctorr

MYbe set up a bedtime routine, bath time, teeth, book, night time song and then try and adopt some of the super nannies techniques as they have really helped for me. I hope he is sleeping better now

Have you tried finding out why he is having nightmares? From a movie or something happened that scared him? When i was young I had nightmares frequently and the only way to stop it was holding my grandma’s hand while sleeping. Then I would tell myself that grandma will be in my dreams with me hence no more nightmares. Sound troublesome but it stopped after a few times…

Some good advice down below.

i hope the advice worked

Hope some of the advice below has helped. Good luck!

Try to establish the reasons he might be waking. Has he always been like this?
Have you tried putting a lamp or nightlight on in his room? Playing soft music? Try putting him to bed with a shirt that may smell like Mum/Dad- like a shirt you may have been wearing for a few hours.
There could be a number of reasons. Try not making a big deal of it- routine. Dinner, bath, quiet time- minimise sound and light. Go to bed and read him a book. Stay in his room, backed turn and don’t talk or make eye contact with him. If he gets outing bed just pick him up and back to bed.
If you have tried am everything I’ve mentioned I recommend consulting professional help. We took my then 15 month old to Tresillian- a sleep school that can help train your child to sleep. It’s hard work but worth it. They can also help with eating and behavioural problems.
Stay strong mummy.

He could be teething or need something to eat. goodluck

I would get a sleep whisper in. This is someone who puts your child to bed and gets them to sleep. (you and hubby disappear) They train the baby or child good sleeping habits and then you take over. This does take some time and costs. Also another option is set a routine and follow it. A few tears wont hurt and he will learn that this is what happens. Bath, milk story, bed. Keep returning him to bed, no speaking after the first time he gets up and just keep doing it. Even if you have to hold the door shut. Stubborn but you have to be more stubborn to win.

I would be looking at medical/physical reasons, this does not seem normal. The idea of the ‘manipulative’ child doesn’t sit well with me.

Sleep therapist/psychologist! As this isn’t normal night time behaviour… Also consistency, just keep putting them back to bed and don’t get up and cuddle or play! They won’t bother when they know they won’t get any attention!

Is he still in a cot??? If you know he is OK, ie, not too hot, isn’t unwell then leave him in there, after a few nights he will soon realize that mummy and daddy won’t fall for his tricks.

you might need to start controlled crying and hopefully he will realise if you dont come the more he crys he will stop. talk to your midwife or gp and they will have some info for you.

Has this always been the way with Him or is this something new?

I would suggest that you talk to your local GP and see if they know of a sleep therapist who could help you out.
Its important that you get it sorted asap so you can cope with the new baby.

Good luck