After months of having your toddler sleep consistently through the night, you may be distressed to find that night waking has suddenly started again. This is a common occurrence among toddlers and is usually due to one of several disturbances. By getting to the root of the problem, you can devise a simple solution to ensure that the whole family is soon sleeping peacefully once again.
Night Terrors
If your toddler is waking up hysterical in the middle of the night, he may be experiencing night terrors. Night terrors can cause children to cry, flail around or jump out of bed, and although your toddler's eyes might be open, he's actually not awake. Don't try to comfort, hold, awaken or talk to your toddler if he's having night terrors; instead, wait for it to pass and just make sure he doesn't hurt himself. To prevent night terrors, keep him on a consistent sleep schedule and make sure he's getting plenty of rest, since sleep deprivation can bring on these episodes, according to BabyCenter.com.
Bad Dreams
Because a toddler's imagination is developing rapidly, she may begin having dreams that scare her. When a nightmare awakens your child, go into her room and reassure her that she's safe. Simply offering comfort by cuddling her, rubbing her back or staying in the room until she falls back to sleep is the best way to deal with bad dreams.
Separation Anxiety
The toddler years are prime time for separation anxiety, and this commonly results in night waking. If these disturbances only happen on occasion, the solution may be as simple as going into your toddler's room and reassuring him that you're nearby. But if he's waking up consistently, pediatrician Dr. William Sears recommends changing your sleeping arrangements temporarily. Let your child sleep on a mattress in your bedroom for a few days or weeks until he's managing his separation anxiety better.
Changes in Routine or Environment
Changes in your toddler's world are another common explanation for night waking. Potty training, adjusting to a new day-care situation, changes in the weather, having a new baby in the house, dietary changes and moving to a new house can all create sleep disturbances. Do your best to keep your child's daytime and nighttime routines consistent, and make sure that nothing interferes with her nap routine. A calming bedtime routine can also help, so try soothing her with a warm bath, cuddling, lullabies and stories, then send her to bed with comfortable pajamas and a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, if she has one. Make sure she's dressed appropriately for the weather and that her room isn't too warm or cold for sleep.
