Toddlers Sleeping Issues: Common Causes and Solutions

Sleep is as essential to the healthy development of toddlers as it is for adults. However, bedtime with their young children can be a significant complication and sleep problem for many parents. Let's take a look at common causes and some tips! 👀

Keep nap and bedtime routines consistent to ensure your toddler gets plenty of shut-eye at night.

‍If naps happen too late in the day, bedtime might turn into a battle. But don't slash nap time to fix nighttime sleep issues, as that'll just make your little one overtired and lead to an even rougher night.

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How much sleep does a toddler need?

Infant and toddler sleep issues can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code. One critical piece of this puzzle is understanding their unique sleep needs. How much sleep does a toddler need?

Friendly reminder💫: Each child is a unique navigator on his or her sleep journey. Pay close attention to their cues, such as moodiness or difficulty waking up, and adjust their sleep schedule accordingly.

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‍Sleep charts by age:

• 1-2 years: Most children this age need 11-14 hours of sleep daily, including one or two daytime naps. These naps usually last 1-2 hours each, although some little explorers may go the afternoon without a nap.

• 2-3 years: As they approach preschool age, sleep needs decrease slightly to 12-13 hours daily. Nighttime sleep tends to consolidate at 10-12 hours, while naps tend to shorten or even disappear altogether.

Expert baby- tip 👨‍⚕️: According to Kids Health, most children between the ages of 2 and 3 typically sleep 12-13 hours daily, including 1-2 hour daytime naps.

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Common toddler's sleep problems

Restless nights and tired mornings: parenting young children can be like fighting a war, sleep-wise. But fear not, parent, so let's set sail and explore the top 5 sleep issues facing toddlers, along with practical tips and tricks for addressing them:

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1. Falling asleep difficulties

🤱 Separation anxiety: Fear of being alone at night can lead to resistance and waking.

💡 Solution: Offer comfort, leave a nightlight, and gradually increase the distance you sleep from them.

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🧑 Underlying medical conditions: Earaches, reflux, or allergies can disrupt sleep.

💡 Solution: Consult a doctor! Rule out any medical issues impacting sleep quality.

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 2. Nighttime waking

🛏Habitual wakings: Waking each night simultaneously has become a habit, not a need.

💡 Solution: Stay calm and offer comfort, avoid making a big deal out of waking, offer reassurance, and guide them back to sleep.

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🧟 Nightmares or bad dreams: Scary images or experiences can awaken them.

💡 Solution: Talk about them during the day, offer comfort objects, and create a bedtime story together.

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❌Teething or discomfort: Painful gums or a full bladder can disrupt sleep.

💡 Solution: Teething toys, pain medication if needed, or an empty bladder can all help.

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3. Short sleep duration

🎮 Overstimulation before bed: Screen time, vigorous play, or bright lights can make it harder to fall asleep.

💡 Solution:  Create a calming bedtime routine to wind down the day in a dark room with quiet activities.

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📱 Inadequate daytime activity: Lack of physical activity can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

💡 Solution:  Burn off energy during the day, encourage outdoor play, physical activities, and structured exercise.

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4.  Early rising

🛏 Early to bed, early to rise: An early bedtime can lead to an equally early wake-up.

💡 Solution: Gradually shift bedtime later, move bedtime back by 15-minute increments until you reach your desired wake-up time.

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⏰ Inconsistent wake-up time: Weekends throwing off the weekday routine can disrupt their internal clock.

💡 Solution: Maintain a consistent wake-up time; even on weekends, try to wake them up at the same time as weekdays.

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🌅 Sunlight exposure in the morning: Bright light can trigger early waking.

💡 Solution: Block out the morning light. Blackout curtains or sleep shades can help them sleep longer.

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🍭Hunger or thirst: Waking up early due to an empty stomach or needing a drink.

💡 Solution: Offer a small snack or drink: Address hunger or thirst before it wakes them up.

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5.  Nap issues

😪 Teething or discomfort: Painful gums or a full bladder can disrupt naptime.

💡 Solution: Create a calming pre-nap routine: Similar to bedtime

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🧒 Developmental changes: Some toddlers naturally transition from two to one nap around 18 months.

💡 Solution: In this case, it is to be patient and accept the changes around naps.

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⏰ Inconsistent nap schedule: Naps that are too long, too late, or irregular can disrupt nighttime sleep.

💡 Solution: Establish a consistent nap schedule Ideally, one or two naps (depending on age) at specific times.

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Causes of toddlers' sleep issues

There are many possible causes of sleep problems in young children; let's look at some of the most common;

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Age-related changes

• Leaps and bounds: Developmental leaps can alter sleep patterns as toddlers process new skills and experiences.

• Nap transitions: Around 18 months, some toddlers naturally switch from two naps to one, causing temporary adjustments.

• Night terrors: These frightening episodes usually occur between ages 3 and 5 and can cause nighttime awakenings and distress.

Separation anxiety

• Fear of being alone at night: This cause can manifest in frequent wakings, resistance to bedtime, and clinginess.

• ‍Changes in routine: like a new caregiver or starting preschool, can exacerbate this anxiety.

Inconsistent routines

• Unpredictable bedtimes: wake-up times and nap schedules throw off their internal clock, making falling and staying asleep harder.

• Lack of a calming bedtime routine: can create overstimulation and make it difficult to transition to sleep.

Daytime habits

• Excessive screen time: vigorous play too close to bedtime and sugary snacks can all energize and disrupt sleep.

• Inconsistent nap schedules or skipping naps: can leave them overtired and cranky at night.

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Illness

• Earaches, coughs, teething pain, or even a cold can make sleeping uncomfortable, leading to frequent disruptions.

• Addressing the underlying illness is crucial for restoring restful sleep.

Uncomfortable sleep environment

• A too-hot or too-cold room, excessive noise, bright lights, or an uncomfortable mattress can all disrupt sleep quality.

“Sleep disorders that may have a genetic predisposition, such as restless legs syndrome, affect children and adults.”
💡 Sleep Foundation

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When should you consult a doctor about your child's sleep?

While implementing the helpful tips we've explored can go a long way toward smoother navigation in infant sleep, there are times when seeking professional guidance is recommended. Here are some indicators that consulting a physician about your child's poor sleep habits can be beneficial:

Persistent sleep problems:

• Frequent nighttime awakenings.
• Bedtime resistance for more than two weeks.
• Early rising (before 5:00 AM).
• Significantly shorter sleep duration
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Poor mood despite getting enough sleep at night.

Troubling symptoms:

• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.
• Gasping or unusual pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Nightmares or night terrors that cause significant distress.
• Excessive sweating or bedwetting during sleep.
• Headaches or stomachaches are associated with sleep difficulties.

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