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It’s not uncommon for parents to find themselves asking, “What happened to my good sleeper?” Toddlers and preschoolers who once slept peacefully through the night can start to experience sleep disturbances. But what’s causing this change? As your child grows, their sleep habits can shift—sometimes significantly. Let’s take a closer look at common reasons for disrupted sleep and explore some solutions to help your toddler get back on track.
Why Is My Toddler Struggling to Sleep? Toddlerhood is a time of excitement and challenge for both parents and children. According to research in Sleep Medicine Reviews, toddlers often delay bedtime, seek more attention, and wake frequently at night as they assert their growing independence. These behaviours are typical and tied to the developmental changes happening at this stage.
Here are some common reasons why your toddler’s sleep might be affected:
Developmental Milestones As toddlers develop new skills, especially in language and cognition, these exciting milestones can temporarily disrupt sleep. If your child is learning to talk or mastering a new skill, they may find it harder to settle down at bedtime.
Attention-Seeking Children at this age often seek extra attention, particularly during times of change—such as starting nursery or welcoming a new sibling. This can lead to bedtime resistance or frequent night wakings as they seek comfort or company.
Growing Independence Toddlers love testing boundaries as they gain independence, and this can show up as resistance to bedtime routines. Tantrums, defiant behaviour, or waking up multiple times at night can all be signs of this growing independence.
Transitioning to a Toddler Bed Moving from a cot to a toddler bed is a big step, but it can also disrupt sleep. The newfound freedom to get in and out of bed may tempt your child to leave their bed, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Nighttime Fears As your child’s imagination develops, so can their fears. Nightmares or a fear of the dark can arise, making bedtime feel more daunting for your little one.
Inconsistent Bedtime Routine An irregular bedtime routine can negatively impact your toddler’s sleep. Routine is key in helping them feel calm and ready for bed. A predictable routine can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down.
Illness Physical discomfort from illnesses such as colds, ear infections, or teething can lead to night wakings and difficulty falling asleep.
Tips to Help Your Toddler Sleep Better:
If your toddler’s sleep has become unsettled, there are ways to help them get back into a good routine. Try these strategies:
Create a Consistent Routine: Establish a soothing bedtime routine that includes activities like reading or taking a warm bath to help signal that it’s time to go to sleep.
Set Clear Boundaries: Toddlers will naturally test limits, so having clear and consistent bedtime rules can reinforce good sleep habits.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce screen exposure, particularly in the hour or two leading up to bedtime, to help them unwind.
Monitor Their Diet: Pay attention to what your child eats and drinks before bed. Reducing sugar and avoiding caffeine can improve sleep quality.
Encourage Physical Activity: Ensure your toddler gets enough exercise during the day, but avoid overly stimulating activities just before bedtime.
Final Thoughts:
Sleep disruptions in toddlers can be frustrating, but they’re often temporary and manageable. By understanding the potential causes and making a few adjustments, you can help your toddler (and yourself!) get the rest they need.
If you need more personalised support with your toddler’s sleep challenges, I’m here to help!
I have a Toddler guide below as well as my 1:1 services!
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