Children who have difficulty sleeping may exhibit behavioral difficulties and moodiness that affects the entire family, says the American Sleep Association. As your child progresses from toddler to adolescent, a good night's sleep can be impaired by factors related to his developmental stage. Mastering the art of sleeping soundly is an important developmental milestone--and important for your child's good health.
Toddlers
Toddlers between the age of 1 and 3 experience increased independence, says the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). However, their increased autonomy, coupled with separation anxiety, can lead to sleeping difficulties. Waking in the middle of the night, bad dreams and even fear of their surroundings can undermine healthy sleeping patterns. Your toddler needs between 12 and 14 hours of sleep each day, says the NSF. Daytime drowsiness and irritability can be a sign that your toddler isn't getting enough sleep, or that his sleep schedule is being interrupted.
Preschoolers
Preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 have many of the same difficulties with sleep as toddlers, says the NSF. However, due to a vivid imagination, your preschooler may have more nightmares. Sleepwalking and night terrors peak during this age, says the NSF. Night terrors are different from nightmares, says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A preschooler with night terrors screams and looks as if she's awake, but cannot communicate her fears. Preschoolers typically need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep each night.
School-Aged Children
Sleeping difficulties are common in children aged 5 through 12, says the NSF, and can cause behavioral problems and difficulty with academic achievement. The demand on your child's time from schoolwork and social activities increases. He also becomes more interested in television and the Internet. The NSF indicates that watching television near bedtime is linked to resistance to going to bed and sleeping difficulties. Children in this age group need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.
Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Establish healthy sleep in your younger child by getting her into an established routine, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. Engage her in calm activities such as a bath or reading time to signal that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Keep the household quiet and calm. Let your child take a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to bed with her to give her a sense of security. However, don't let your toddler or preschooler "bed share" because it discourages her ability to sleep independently. If your toddler or preschooler wakes in the middle of the night and cries out, wait a while before responding, advises the AAP. If you do go into your child's room, don't turn on the light or engage him in play. Keep your time in his room brief.
Tips for Older Children
Children aged 5 and older also need regular, consistent sleep schedules, says the NSF. Teach your child about good sleeping habits. Make sure that your child has a dark, quiet bedroom that encourages sleep. Avoid giving your child caffeinated foods and beverages and remove televisions, video games and computers from the bedroom.
Getting Help
If you've established a regular bedtime routine and taken thorough measures to encourage good sleep, don't take it personally if your child still has difficulties at bedtime, says the American Sleep Association. Talk to your pediatrician to get more information or, if necessary, a referral to a specialist.
