Cameron went through a similar phase at about 7 months too - its probably a very common phase they go through- he would wake usually at 4.55am on the dot .

Most of the time he would just talk in his cot (in his own room) or 'dance' with his teddy bear and seahorse. Sometimes if he cried I would go in and turn his musical mobile (where the animals turn around) and this seemed to amuse him for 30-45mins.

When he learnt to stand (approx 8 months)- i would then go in - lie him back down, turn on his mobile and walk out (no eye contact or talking) The mobile usually amused him. Basically I tried not to give in and interact with him too much - (but sometimes I just had too if he got upset). Eventually I think he got the message and started to sleep through til 6.15am(ish) and has done so for the last 6 or 7 weeks with the exception of the odd morning like today where he was up and playing from 4.30am - argh!!! - nothing would settle him - those stupid teeth .

I am hoping this was a one off - as I too am due to go back to work in a few weeks and cannot imagine how I'll cope on a few hours sleep (especially when I work in a bank - can you imagine the customer complaints when things aren't done on time or right ).

Hope its just a phase for you too and it all settles soon