It is not uncommon for a 4-year-old to suddenly cry out and awake from sleep, even if he never had sleep problems in the past. Because your toddler's sleep disturbances disrupt both his and the entire family's rest, it is essential to understand what conditions and factors contribute to it and how you can properly correct them.
Causes
Environmental conditions such as your 4-year-old becoming cold after kicking off his blanket during sleep, noises from outside or the temperature being too warm in his room often trigger sleep disruption. A child also awakens and cries out if he becomes hungry or thirsty at night. Disruption is often also due to the fear of being alone or of the dark. Nightmares and night terrors also cause children to whimper, cry out and even climb out of bed.
Remedies and Prevention
Adjust the temperature and environment in your child's room by putting a blanket on him after he falls asleep or dressing him in warm pajamas if it is cold outside. If it is too warm in his room, run a fan or crack a window. Put a nightlight in his room if he is afraid of the dark. Muffle noises and outdoor light by installing heavy curtains over his windows. Give him a drink of water and a light snack right before he goes to sleep to keep him from becoming hungry or thirsty in the middle of the night.
Considerations
Soothe your child if he awakens from a nightmare or night terror, reassuring him that he is safe. However, keep the lights dim and your voice low so that he understands that it is still time to sleep. Try not to pick him up out of his bed unless he is extremely upset or has to use the bathroom. It's important that he learn how to comfort himself in the future and fall back to sleep unassisted.
Warnings
Do not soothe, shake, speak or physically restrain your son if he is experiencing a night terror. Because your child is still asleep during a night terror, any of your intervention tactics will intensify the chaotic and frantic behavior. Instead, allow him to work through the night terror on his own. Although it can take up to 20 minutes, he will eventually settle back down and fall into deep sleep once more.
References
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parenting a Preschooler and Toddler"; Keith M. Boyd and Kevin Osborn; 1997
- BabyCenter; Why is My Toddler Suddenly Waking Up Hysterical at Night?; Deborah Lin-Dyken
- BabyCenter: Night Terrors
