Category: Night Terrors

Why Is My Toddler or Preschooler Suddenly Not Sleeping Well?

11/26/2024

Why Is My Toddler or Preschooler Suddenly Not Sleeping Well?

As a parent, it’s not uncommon to find yourself asking, “What happened to my great sleeper?” Toddlers and preschoolers who once slept soundly through the night may begin to experience sleep disruptions.

But why?

The reality is that as your child grows and develops, their sleep habits can change—sometimes dramatically. Let’s explore some common issues that could derail your toddler or preschooler’s sleep and offer solutions to get them back on track.

Why Is My Toddler or Preschooler Struggling to Sleep?
Toddlerhood is an exciting yet challenging phase for both children and their parents. Research published in Sleep Medicine Reviews highlights that toddlers often delay bedtime, seek more attention, and wake up during the night as they assert their growing independence. These behaviours are normal and closely tied to the developmental changes happening at this age【4†source】.

Here are some common factors that may be affecting your toddler’s sleep:

Developmental Milestones: As toddlers and preschoolers grow, they experience major developmental changes, particularly around language and cognitive abilities. These milestones, though exciting, can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns. If your child is learning to speak or mastering new skills, they may have a harder time settling down for sleep.
Attention-Seeking Behaviour: Children in this age group may crave extra attention, especially if there have been recent changes at home, like starting daycare or welcoming a new sibling. This can lead to bedtime resistance and frequent night wakings as your child seeks comfort or company.
Increased Independence: Toddlers and preschoolers love to test boundaries! As they gain more independence, they may resist bedtime or nighttime routines. This can manifest in tantrums, defiant behaviour, or even waking up multiple times at night.
Transitioning to a Bed: Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a big milestone but can also cause sleep disruptions. The newfound freedom may tempt your child to get out of bed, making bedtime more difficult and leading to frequent night wakings.
Nighttime Fears: As children’s imagination grows, so do their fears. Nightmares or a fear of the dark may start to creep in around this age, which can make bedtime feel daunting for them.
Inconsistent Bedtime Routine: If your toddler or preschooler’s bedtime routine is inconsistent, their sleep habits can suffer. Routine is key to helping them feel secure and calm as they wind down for the night. Creating a predictable bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.
Illness: It’s no surprise that illness can disrupt a child’s sleep. Whether it’s a cold, ear infection, or teething, physical discomfort can cause night wakings or difficulty falling asleep.

Solutions for Better Sleep
If your toddler or preschooler’s sleep has been derailed, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to get back on track. Here are a few tips to help:

Stick to a Consistent Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and go to bed. Include calming activities like reading a book and taking a warm bath.
Set Clear Boundaries: While it’s normal for toddlers and preschoolers to test limits, setting clear and consistent bedtime rules will help reinforce good sleep habits.
Limit Screen Time: Try reducing screen time in the evening, particularly the hour or two before bed.
Monitor Diet: Keep an eye on what your child eats and drinks, especially before bed. Reducing sugar intake and avoiding hidden sources of caffeine can improve sleep quality.
Encourage Physical Activity: Ensure your toddler or preschooler gets enough exercise during the day, but avoid overly stimulating activities right before bedtime.

Final Thoughts
Sleep disruptions in toddlers and preschoolers can be frustrating. Still, they are often temporary and can be managed with a few adjustments. By understanding the factors that might impact your child’s sleep and implementing some simple strategies, you can help them (and yourself!) get the rest they need.

If you’re struggling with your toddler’s sleep, I’m here to help! Feel free to reach out for personalized support and guidance.

Author

Erin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016.

Proud mother of 2 young school aged boys who did not come into the world preprogrammed with independent sleep skills. 28+ years of training & experience working with children and families including her BA in Applied Psychology, Infant Mental Health Training, Early Childhood Education & Experience. Completed Integrative Feeding Specialist Certification in Oct. 2022.

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Understanding Night Terrors in Children: A Guide for Parents

3/22/2024

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As a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, one of the most distressing concerns I encounter from parents involves night terrors. Understanding what night terrors are and how to handle them can be a beacon of hope amid nighttime turmoil. This guide aims to shed light on this sleep disorder, providing insights and strategies to help parents and children navigate these dark moments.

What Are Night Terrors?
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, occur during the non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, typically within the first few hours after a child falls asleep. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep and can often be recalled, night terrors are characterized by intense fear, screaming, sweating, confusion, and even sleepwalking, with little to no recollection of the event the following morning.

These episodes can last from a few minutes up to 30 minutes and are more common in children aged 3 to 12 years old. It's important to note that night terrors are a part of a child's development and usually aren't a sign of a deeper psychological issue.

Causes of Night Terrors
The exact cause of night terrors is poorly understood, but they're thought to be related to over-arousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Several factors can increase the likelihood of night terrors, including:

**Sleep deprivation**
**Stress**
**Fever**
**Sleep schedule disruptions**
**Certain medications**

It's also worth mentioning that there might be a genetic component, as children who have relatives with a history of sleep disorders, including night terrors, are at higher risk.

What Can Parents Do?
While night terrors can be alarming, there are several strategies parents can employ to help manage and reduce the frequency of these episodes:

Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A calming bedtime routine can help reduce stress and make night terrors less likely. This can include a warm bath, book reading, or gentle music.
Ensure Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can trigger night terrors, so make sure your child is getting enough sleep according to their age.
Minimize Stress: Try to reduce stress in your child's environment. Talk about any worries they might have during the day and provide a comforting and secure atmosphere.
Keep the Environment Safe: If your child tends to sleepwalk during these episodes, ensure their sleeping environment is safe. This can mean securing windows and doors and removing any hazardous objects.
Scheduled Awakenings: If night terrors occur at a consistent time, gently waking your child 15-30 minutes before the expected time can help prevent the episodes. This technique disrupts the sleep cycle and can prevent the onset of a night terror.

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Night terrors can be a frightening experience for parents. However, with understanding, patience, and the implementation of strategies to promote healthy sleep habits, most children outgrow night terrors with time. Remember, you're not alone; support is available to guide you through these challenging nights.