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I Don't Want to Go to Bed!
5 Common Sleep Problems in Toddlers By Melissa Granberry
"I'm thirsty!" "I need to go to the bathroom!" "I'm scared of the dark!"
Are these announcements part of your family's "post-bedtime" routine? Or does your child slip into slumber peacefully, only to awaken hours later, searching the house for Mom and Dad? Perhaps sleeping in a new bed, night terrors or sleep apnea keep your toddler (and you!) up at night? If so, here are some tips to trade the nighttime toddler intrusion into eight hours of much needed rest.
When a child has a difficult time falling asleep, Dr. Andrea McCoy, director of Temple Pediatric Care at Temple University Children's Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa., suggests using a transition object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket. This item is not for daytime play, but should be kept in the crib until bedtime. "Your child needs to associate this object with going to sleep," says Dr. McCoy.
Often, children fear "monsters" lurking in the closet or under the bed. Dr. McCoy suggests the children sleep with a small flashlight or arm themselves with an empty spray bottle to ease their anxiety.
A subtle change may be the simple answer to your nighttime dilemma. "Look around your child's room for things that are distracting," she says. If a nightlight is on, try turning it off. If shadows are on the wall, try closing the curtains or moving the bed so your child has a different view.
Getting too little or too much sleep during the day can also prevent a child from falling asleep. "Children who are overtired may become hyper in the evening," says Dr. McCoy. However, if your child is taking a four-hour nap in the afternoon, she may not be ready for bed until midnight!
When bedtime becomes a problem, both parents must make a commitment. "It is important for parents to give their children the opportunity to get themselves to sleep," says Dr. McCoy.