Toddlers need 12 to 14 hours of sleep every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, as any parent knows, getting a toddler to sleep can present serious problems. In some cases, toddlers may even have sleep disorders. These range from minor conditions, such as bed wetting, to persistent disorders such as insomnia. Always consult your doctor if your child has a problematic sleep disorder.
Sleep Hygiene
In a 2007 study published in "Clinical Evidence," researchers collated reports from available studies on childhood sleep disorders. They identified "sleep hygiene" as one area where you can help your toddler get better sleep. One aspect includes pre-sleep eating and drinking. Avoid giving your child anything to eat or drink in the hour leading up to bedtime.
Distractions
Having a rooms full of toys, games and electronic devices makes the bedroom a place to play, not rest. Remove all toys and games from the bed to minimize distractions.
Environment
A noisy, bright room doesn't create the right relaxing atmosphere. Dim the lights or turn them off. A few softly colored lights may help your child relax, but try not to keep the main light on. Similarly, having music or the radio on too loudly could prevent sleep.
Routine
Establishing a firm routine helps to minimize the effects of sleep disorders in toddlers. For example, always making sure your toddler goes to bed at 6 p.m. every night gradually trains your child to associate that time with sleep.
Punishment
Sending your child to his bedroom as a punishment sends out the wrong signal, according to the University of Michigan Health System. It makes your child see bed as a bad place. Ideally, your toddler should associate bedtime with calmness, safety and even enjoyment.
Sleepwalking
The sleep disorder sleepwalking often occurs in toddlers. Writing in "American Family Physician," C. Carolyn Thiedke M.D. suggests avoiding shaking or startling a toddler when sleepwalking. Monitor the time when your toddler tends to sleepwalk, as this disorder usually happens at a regular time. Try waking your child 15 minutes before this time, to catch her before the sleepwalking occurs. Eventually, this may reduce sleepwalking.
Bedwetting
If a child wets the bed, try lowering the amount of fluid he drinks in the evening. In persistent cases of bedwetting, try using a bedwetting alarm. This sounds loudly when fluid touches a sensor under the sheets. This may reduce bedwetting over time.
Soothing
Staying with your toddler for a while until she gets to sleep may help her drift off more easily. Reading a story or simply singing in a low, gentle voice can relax your toddler and help her get to sleep.
Rushing
Don't rush your bedtime preparations. This can have the unintended consequence of making a toddler more active and alert. Make the evening a time for calmness and quiet to help your child prepare mentally for bed.
Three-Step Bedtime
Following a three-step routine helps reduce problems associated with sleep disorders, according to a 2009 study published in "Sleep." The process starts with a bath. This relaxes the child, particularly if you use foaming bath lotion and rub your child's body gently. Follow this with a massage all over the toddler's body to relax every muscle. Finally, singing, cuddling or gently reading a fairy tale soothes your child into sleep.
References
- "ClinicalEvidence"; Sleep Disorders in Children; Paul Montgomery, Danielle Dunne; Sept. 1, 2007
- University of Michigan Health System; Sleep Problems; Kyla Boyse, R.N.; Nov. 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sleep and Sleep Disorders; Sept. 23, 2010
- "American Family Physician"; Sleep Disorders and Sleep Problems in Childhood; C. Carolyn Thiedke, M.D.; Jan. 15, 2001
- "Sleep"; A Nightly Bedtime Routine: Impact on Sleep in Young Children and Maternal Mood; Jodi A. Mindell, PhD, et al.; May 1, 2009
