Sleep Issues - Help!

[LeeAndra]

I'm at my wits' end with DD's sleeping habits (or lack thereof).

She has always been a terrible sleeper. She did have reflux the first three or four months of her life, but once we switched to formula, it was no longer an issue. She did not sleep through the night until she was 18 months old, and even now at 2y3mo, she doesn't usually sleep more than 6 hours at a time. DH does work night shift, but she is often awake before he gets home. When she wakes up, she is awake for an hour (or longer!) at a time. She has a crib tent, so she can't get out (thank goodness!), but I still worry that she's not getting enough sleep.

I have tried everything with her --- short naps, eliminating nap altogether, going to bed early, going to bed late, having some milk before bed, not having milk before bed, etc etc. None of it helps, and she still wakes up 3 or 4 nights a week.

She does consistently wake up between 8 and 8:30 every morning.

Help! Any advice? Had a kid like this and s/he (I pray!) grew out of it eventually?! I'm dreading putting her in a big kid bed. I don't think she will ever sleep once she has the opportunity to get out of her bed and play in her room!

TIA!