I doubt its a delayed reaction with the going back to work, it could be something very simple like the temperature in the room (have you had a heater on or changed the tog of his sleeping bag, added more blankets etc.
Or he could be having dreams in response to something environmental, like a new playgroup or baby-class that is quite stimulating. Has he gained a physical skill and is pulling/up sitting up and then freaking out?
We have gone through little patches like this too, I think its pretty common, (and I'm a fulltime stay at home mum so don't feel that you working is the cause of it at all) dropping the temp in the room has helped sometimes and sometimes its been a case of comfort, cuddle, pat reassure and ride it out, its never lasted long.
Could be night terrors? Very scary for parents, but children don't remember them. My son had them at that age, esp if over-tired. His didn't last long.
May poss be linked to the curtain change; one suggestion for prevention is to leave a light on.
Google for some more tips on prevention.
Hope they pass soon!
xx
Our DS has never been the best sleeper but when he would wake screaming like you have mentioned 90% of the time he has had an ear infection. He never had fever with any of them and on only 2 occasions had a runny nose so we really had nothing else to go by for symptoms.
I would always try gripe water first in case it was upset tummy but if he continued to wake and scream by day 3-4 I'd take him to dr and yep... Ear infection.
Our strategy is try burping first and change nappy, next time try gripe water, 3rd wake up maybe Nurofen or baby panadol / calpol.
Fingers crossed he settles for you soon :) and it's not anything making him uncomfortable
My DS is 8 months & has always been a pretty solid sleeper at night. His daytime naps reduced to three 45 min-1 hr naps during the day about 2 months ago. In the last week or so approx 30 mins after he falls asleep in his crib at 7pm, he wakes up absolutely screaming with wee wet cheeks & just so upset :( This then happens periodically 1-3 times throughout the night & I am just devastated to see him
Iike this. Tonight was terrible as he normally settles when he is lifted but nothing would comfort him & it just happened again at 9pm. He isn't cold, eats his last solid meal 3 hrs before bed ( he has his bottle after his bath before bed tho) & has a really regular routine. The only change I can think of is that we had blackout lining put in his curtains around that time, but I left a wee light on for him tonight & it still happened :( I went back to work in Nov & he appeared to be doing great could it be a delayed reaction to that? ? Constructive advice much appreciated, TIA xxx