Sleep is important for every toddler since this allows them to rejuvenate and grow well. Most likely, a tot who does not get enough sleep during the night may acquire more health problems than a tot who gets plenty of sleep at night. If your toddler does not sleep well through the night, then he may have a sleeping disorder. This problem needs to be addressed as early as possible to prevent any health conditions that can hinder your toddler’s development.

Toddler sleep disorders are common. Almost 40% of toddlers have it. However, having these complications can slow down a tot’s growth and may well lead to other serious problems. Sleeping problems vary from toddler to toddler. That is why, it is important that you know the different cases as well as its corresponding solutions to help counteract it.

How to Resolve Your Toddler’s Sleep Disorder

1.) Insomnia

• A very common sleep problem to toddlers, insomnia is a sleep interruption wherein your tot has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. Once your toddler has this, most probably your tot will feel no energy restoration and will most likely not function well during day time.

Solutions

• Teach relaxation exercises. Coach your toddler how to relax and do it together. Do exercises such as deep breathing and positive mental visualization while lying in bed (e.g. images of him walking along the seashore, building sand castles, etc.). This relaxes his mind and will get him to relax quickly.
• Establish bedtime routines. Having your tot get accustomed with his bedtime rituals gives him consistency. Routine activities helps his body and mind slow down helping him get ready for bed.
• Create proper sleep hygiene practices. Let your toddler know that his bed can only be used for sleeping and not for eating chips, playing video games or for reading. Do not let him drink caffeinated products like sodas hours before his bedtime. Avoid playing rough games after dinner. Instead, let him do quiet activities like reading stories, drawing and colouring.
• Do not exert force. If your tot is not able to sleep for the past fifteen to thirty minutes, allow him to get up and do calming activities (e.g. reading or singing).

2.) Nightmares

• Nightmare or night terror is the most common toddler sleep disorder that lasts for a few weeks. It happens during the first hour after falling asleep and is caused by uneasiness, irregular sleep time, stress, trauma and other negative things your child experiences.

Solutions

• Create a calming bedtime routine. Eliminate any rigorous activities during night time to help your tots’ mind and body relax allowing him to settle easily for bed.
• Do not wake him up. Once he is having a nightmare, just stay in his room and listen to him. Do not touch or talk to him as this will only make it worse. Do not bring it up the next day to avoid scaring him. If this goes on for a month, see a doctor.

3.) Sleep Walking

• Sleep walking is a parasomnia disorder experienced once your tot begins to walk. He gets out of bed after one to two hours of falling asleep and usually wakes up the next morning at a different place (e.g. living room, bedroom floor, hallway, etc.).

Solutions

• Once your tot has this disorder, do not tell him about it the next morning as this will only scare him to go to bed. Instead, see to it that the path is clear. Pick up toys, dirty clothes and any item that can injure him. If needed, let him sleep in your bedroom so you can watch over him.

4.) Sleep Apnea

• A toddler sleeping disorder most common to toddlers between ages one to five, sleep apnea occurs due to the enlargement of tonsils. Loud snoring and excessive sweating are two signs you have to watch for. It is one disorder that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because it interrupts breathing.

Solutions

• Inform his paediatrician. Since apnea is a major sleeping problem, go to his doctor right away so your tot can be examined. Maybe he has a blocked airway or allergies that caused it. Depending on how serious his sleep apnea is, he may need to see an apnea expert or use the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to open his airway.
• Proper balanced diet. Feed your tot with the right food. Give him ample servings of vegetables and fruits. Avoid feeding him too much sweets and other caffeine rich foods and drinks.