Meds may not be your first choice but sometimes we need to take steps just to move forward. As you say, sleep is important and being settled emotionally may help you sleep better. If you and your wife can sleep through some baby sounds, he may learn to put himself back to sleep.

When ours were young, we learned to keep them awake late so they would be exhausted and sleep longer. A small meal before putting him down can help him sleep deeper. At 1 yo, he does not need lots of naps during the day if they interfere with his sleep at night.