The most common sleep challenges in toddlers and preschoolers
As a child sleep consultant, I often encounter a common concern among parents: “Why has my once-great sleeper suddenly turned into a little night owl?” It’s well-documented that toddlers and preschoolers frequently experience a resurgence of sleep difficulties, even if they were previously good sleepers. In fact, According to a study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews, behaviors such as delaying bedtime, seeking more attention, and waking during the night are common as toddlers assert their developing independence (Mindell et al., 2006). This challenging phase can feel overwhelming, but understanding the key factors at play can help you navigate it with confidence.
Why do sleep challenges occur?
Research indicates that as children enter the toddler and preschool years, they begin to test boundaries more frequently. This is perfectly normal and is a reflection of their growing cognitive abilities, as well as developmental changes that often come with increased independence and emotional awareness.
Developmental milestones: During this period, children are achieving significant milestones related to language and cognitive growth. These exciting developments can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns. You may notice your child becoming more engaged and curious, which can lead to an energetic bedtime routine.
Attention seeking: If your child has recently started daycare or if a new sibling has arrived, they may seek extra attention from you. This increased need for connection can manifest as bedtime resistance, making it hard for them to settle down.
Increased independence: Children naturally want to assert their independence. This can often lead to nightly battles, where the word “no” becomes a favorite during bedtime. Tantrums may ensue, making it challenging for both you and your little one.
Transitioning to a bed: If you’ve moved your child from a crib to a bed, this new freedom can evoke both excitement and anxiety. Many children struggle with this transition, leading to bedtime resistance and nighttime wakings as they explore their newfound independence.
Nighttime fears: Around preschool age, many children develop fears of the dark or nightmares. These fears can contribute to resistance at bedtime and frequent waking during the night.
Inconsistent bedtime routines: If your bedtime routines have become inconsistent, it can disrupt your child’s sleep patterns. Consistency is key to maintaining good sleep habits and fostering a sense of security.
Illness: Physical discomfort due to illness can temporarily disrupt sleep, causing your little one to wake more frequently at night.
Overtiredness or under-tiredness: Striking the right balance with naps and bedtime is essential. A child who is overtired from lack of daytime sleep or under-tired from excessive daytime napping can struggle to fall asleep at night.
Environmental changes: Changes to the sleep environment, such as moving to a new home or experiencing parental separation, can interfere with a child’s sleep quality.
Parental responses: How parents react to nighttime awakenings also plays a crucial role. Inconsistent or overly lenient responses can inadvertently reinforce waking behavior, as children learn that waking up leads to attention or rewards.
Diet and nutrition: Changes in diet, particularly increased sugar intake or hidden sources of caffeine, can disrupt sleep quality and lead to nighttime wakings.
Lack of physical activity: Insufficient physical activity throughout the day can result in excess energy come bedtime. Conversely, vigorous play too close to bedtime can ramp up excitement, making it harder for your child to wind down.
Screen time: Increased screen exposure, especially before bed, can interfere with your child’s ability to fall asleep. The stimulating content and blue light from screens can make it harder to relax, leading to bedtime struggles.
Understanding these challenges is the first step in helping your little one navigate this developmental stage with ease. By maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, responding to nightly awakenings thoughtfully, and ensuring healthy daytime habits, you can foster a more restful sleep environment. Remember, this phase won’t last forever, and with patience and support, you can help your child develop healthy sleep patterns that will benefit them for years to come. If you find yourself needing additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can ensure everyone gets the restful sleep they need!
– Sara
