Sleeping Like a Baby? Not Always: Understanding the Most Common Sleep Problems in Young Children

Posted on 8 March 2023
By Hayley Laidlow, Paediatric Sleep Consultant
0

Sometimes sleep can suck! Yes, I said it, sometimes getting your baby to sleep well can feel like it’s sucking the life right out of you. As a parent of 2 very young children myself, I completely understand how difficult it can be to get your children sleeping well. As a certified Sleep Consultant, it is my job to help make that happen!

Sleep is crucial for a child's physical and cognitive development, but many infants and young children experience sleep problems. According to a study by Mindell et al. (2010), sleep problems affect up to 30% of infants and young children worldwide. Sleep problems can be very distressing for both parents and children. They not only cause fatigue and irritability but can lead to behavioural issues and have an impact on the health of both children and parents. Below are some of the most common sleep problems in infants and young children and my tips for how to solve them.

Difficulty Falling Asleep

Many infants and young children struggle to fall asleep. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an irregular sleep schedule, separation anxiety, or overstimulation. To help your little person fall asleep more easily, establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities, such as a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. It's also important to create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

Night Wakings

It is perfectly normal for infants to wake up during the night to feed or because they need to be changed. However, if your child is waking up frequently and having trouble going back to sleep, it can be a sign of a sleep problem. To help reduce night wakings, establish a consistent bedtime routine and gradually reduce night-time feedings as your child gets older. If your child wakes up crying or upset, give them a little bit of time to resettle on their own before going in to soothe them.

Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions are temporary disruptions in a child's sleep patterns. They can be caused by a developmental milestone, illness, or changes in routine. Sleep regressions can look different for different children. Some may have difficulty falling asleep, some wake up more frequently during the night, others may wake up earlier than usual. To help your child get back on track, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine. It's also important to be patient and understanding during this time, as frustrating as it can be.

Short Naps

Short naps, or catnaps as they are more commonly known, are incredibly common in infants and young children. The most common causes of catnapping are babies being dependent on sleep props such as rocking or patting to sleep, overtiredness, poor nap environments and not waking up where they went to sleep. To help reduce the likelihood of catnaps, I suggest creating a sleep-friendly nap environment that is as consistent as possible for your child, having a consistent sleep routine and getting rid of any sleep props your child may have.

Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Patel et al. (2017) report that sleep apnoea affects approximately 1-4% of children, and may require medical intervention to address. In children, sleep apnoea can be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block the airway. Symptoms of sleep apnoea in children include snoring, restless sleep, and daytime sleepiness. If you suspect that your child has sleep apnoea, consult your GP or paediatrician who may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further evaluation.

Sleep problems are incredibly common in infants and young children so if your baby is not sleeping well, don’t feel alone. Thankfully, with routines, patience and consistency, they can be solved. If you're concerned about your child's sleep, and would like some help, please contact me, I would love to help you out. A well-rested child is a happy and healthy child!

Mindell, J. A., Sadeh, A., Kohyama, J., How, T. H., & Goh, D. Y. T. (2010). Cross-cultural differences in infant and toddler sleep. Sleep Medicine, 11(3), 274–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2009.07.011

Patel, N. J., Narkhede, S., Kembhavi, G., & Kulkarni, M. (2017). Sleep-disordered breathing in children. Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine, 12(4), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijsm.ijsm_43_17

Hayley Laidlow is a Paediatric Sleep Consultant and the owner of Calm Nights Sleep Consultancy. She works with families of children from birth to 10 years of age, helping them to gently teach their children the skills they need to have a great night’s sleep.

Hayley Laidlow