Toddlerhood is a developmental stage where there is a surge of learning and growth happening. It’s also a stage that can disrupt sleep, if you let it. In this blog I list 13 common issues that may be de-railing your toddler (or preschooler’s) sleep habits. And once you know about them, you can take measures to help your child get back on track.

Sleep difficulties are common

It is well documented that toddlers and preschoolers often experience a resurgence of sleep difficulties. This can occur even if they were previously good sleepers. Research indicates that as children enter this developmental stage, they begin to test boundaries more frequently, which can manifest as bedtime resistance and nighttime wakings.

According to a study published in the journal *Sleep Medicine Reviews*, toddlers commonly exhibit behaviors such as delaying bedtime, seeking more attention, and waking up during the night as they assert their growing independence and cope with developmental changes (Mindell et al., 2006).

This boundary-testing is a normal part of their development, driven by their increasing cognitive abilities, separation anxiety, and a desire for autonomy. Understanding the behaviours and the underlying reasons for their toddler’s actions, can help parents navigate this challenging phase more effectively. Let’s look at the most common issues during toddlerhood and beyond.

Could any of the following apply?

Consider the following issues and check each one with either a yes, or a no.

Developmental Milestones: Toddlers and preschoolers go through significant developmental changes, often around language development, and cognitive growth. These milestones can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns.

Attention seeking: Around this age, children often experience an increase in attention from parents, especially if they have recently started daycare, preschool, or if a new baby has come into the family.

Increased Independence: As children grow, they assert their independence more strongly, and often angrily, saying “NO” often and having tantrums often leading to resistance at bedtime and during night wakings.

Transitioning to a Bed: Moving from a crib to a bed can be a challenging transition. The newfound freedom can lead to bedtime resistance and frequent night wakings as the child gets out of bed.

Nighttime Fears: Preschoolers often develop fears of the dark or nightmares, which can contribute to bedtime resistance and night wakings.

Inconsistent Bedtime Routine: If bedtime routines become inconsistent, it can disrupt a child’s sleep patterns. Consistency is key to maintaining good sleep habits.

Illness: Illnesses, and other physical discomforts can disrupt sleep temporarily.

Overtiredness or under tiredness: If a child is not getting enough sleep during the day or is going to bed too late, they can become overtired, which paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall and stay asleep. Or perhaps your child may be napping too long during the day, leading to bedtime battles.

Environmental Changes: Changes in the sleep environment, such as a new home or parental separation or divorce, can impact sleep.

Parental Responses: Inconsistent or overly lenient parental responses to night wakings can reinforce waking behaviour. If a child learns that waking up will result in parental attention or other rewards, they may continue to wake up at night.

Diet and Nutrition: Changes in diet, especially increased sugar intake or hidden caffeine, can affect a child’s sleep quality.

Lack of Physical Activity: Insufficient physical activity during the day can result in excess energy at bedtime, making it harder for the child to settle down. Or playing too hard right before bed, with sports or bike rides can have the same effect.

Screen Time: Increased exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can interfere with a child’s ability to fall asleep due to the stimulating content and blue light emission.

Once you’ve considered all the factors above, you will likely know what to focus on going forward. And if you’d ever need a little help solving a specific issue, my short (paid) Ask Me Anything calls can be the perfect solution.

For multiple issues, if you’ve gone through the list and answered “yes” to a number of factors. Or conversely you answered “no” to everything, yet sleep is still going badly. Or if your child has just never slept well. Then book in a free initial call and mini sleep evaluation and we’ll see how I can best help.

Good sleep goes a long way in making it easier to get through this stage. That’s for your child, but also for the parents! Anything that makes it a little easier, is well worth it! Because good sleep really IS that important.