Many children can sleep through the night with a consistent bedtime routine and a sleep-friendly environment. However, if your child continues to experience sleep difficulties, it’s important to investigate the underlying cause rather than attributing it solely to behavioral issues. Similar to adults, children can face various factors that disrupt their sleep. Here are a few possible reasons for children’s sleep problems:
Your child wants physical contact
As children grow older, they may struggle to sleep without the comforting presence of a parent’s physical contact, especially if they have been accustomed to co-sleeping. While co-sleeping can be comforting for infants and toddlers, it’s generally recommended to transition children to their own beds by the age of 2-3 years. To help your child learn to sleep independently in their own bed, gradually increase the distance and decrease the physical contact between you and your child during sleep. One helpful strategy is to use a sidecar bed, which attaches to your bed and provides a transitional space for your child until they are ready to sleep alone in their own room and bed.
Аnxious or stressed
If your child’s sleep problems began after starting school or daycare, or after you returned to work, it’s possible that they are feeling insecure and stressed out. Just like adults, children can experience sleeping difficulties due to stress or anxiety. This stress or anxiety may manifest as repeated nighttime awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, night terrors, or bedwetting. In many cases, children can overcome these issues with love, support, and care over time. However, if the problem persists, it’s advisable to consult with their pediatrician for further guidance and support.
Your child may be afraid
Children often have fears that may seem trivial to adults but can be very frightening for them, such as fear of the dark, monsters under the bed, or ghosts in the closet. It’s important to reassure your child that they are safe and to talk to them about their fears. Let them know that you are nearby and available if they need you during the night. Creating a sleep-conducive environment can also help, such as using a night lamp if your child is afraid of the dark, playing soothing music if they enjoy it, and showing them that there is nothing scary in their closet or under the bed.
Your child may be afraid
If your child has recently started experiencing sleep problems, it may be due to discomfort or illness, such as stomach aches, hunger, congestion, blocked nose, or teething. Sometimes, children may not be able to express their discomfort verbally, so it’s important to try to identify the cause. If you’re unable to determine the cause and the sleep problems persist, consulting with your child’s pediatrician is advisable.
In some cases, sleep problems may become a habit for children, especially if they have been allowed to continue certain behaviors, such as sleeping with parents. In such instances, it’s important to gently but firmly establish new sleeping habits. Encourage your child to sleep in their own bed and provide reassurance and support as they adjust.
Every child can learn to sleep well through the night, but it’s essential not to dismiss sleep-related issues as mere fussiness. Your child may have a genuine problem that needs attention. Take the time to identify the root cause of their sleep problems, and if necessary, seek guidance from a pediatrician.