Bedtime can be a trying time for toddlers, who may suddenly need a glass of water or six, yet another bedtime story or their favorite stuffed animal you haven't seen in about three weeks. Sleep can instead be dreamy, with a few tips from Healthy Children and Children's Health websites. The two groups also note the dangers of kids not getting enough of it.
Amount And Duration
Growing kids need more sleep than adults, with toddlers requiring about 10 to 13 hours per day, KidsHealth says. One long nightly stretch is just as effective as a shorter night's sleep combined with a nap or two throughout the day. Cribs are usually still a safe haven for kids through age 2, but your child could be ready for a bed if you find him attempting to climb over the crib bars or otherwise escape. Keeping both areas safe means making sure they are not piled with stuffed animals and pillows that can suffocate your kid or near any dangerous objects, including window blind cords or anything sharp and pointy.
Sleep Problems
Toddlers sometimes experience the same sleep problems that plague adults, Healthy Children says. Snoring, caused by a blocked airway, can shake your tot awake, as can sleep apnea, which is trouble breathing caused by a blocked airway. Sleepwalking and sleep talking, where a kid remains asleep but walks around or talks, cries or laughs in his sleep are two more issues. Restless leg syndrome can also kick kids awake, caused by an uncomfortable feeling in their legs accompanied by the urge to move them.
Night Terrors And Nightmares
Night terrors and nightmares are two more sleep issues that often haunt toddlers, Healthy Children warns. Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, do not usually awaken your child, but they can make him scream and cry. A child will not remember night terrors, but they can still disrupt a peaceful night's sleep. An erratic sleeping schedule, change of environment, overall lack of sleep or stress can lead to night terrors. Scary movies can lead to nightmares.
Deprivation
Crankiness is one of the major side effects for toddlers who don't get enough sleep, KidsHealth says. Healthy Children mentions some others, including depression, anxiety and ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ongoing sleep deprivation can also lead to physical issues, including immunity problems, diabetes and obesity.
Tips
One of the best ways to get your toddler wound down for bedtime, as well as prime him for its approach, is to create a daily routine, both Healthy Children and KidsHealth note. The routine can include helping your kid brush his teeth, a trip to the bathroom, a bedtime story or soothing music. If your kid does pop out of bed, be firm about putting him back in it as quickly as possible. Talk to him and soothe him if he's awake because of a nightmare or other concern, be firm if he's just stalling. In both cases, make it clear his mission is to get some slumber.
