Even though he is young I think my child is anxious. Will that affect his sleep? Beyond typical nighttime fears, anxiety can start early in life, so it is indeed possible that your child is suffering from anxiety and I would suggest contacting a health care provider to discuss your concerns [...]
My child has autism. What can I expect about her sleep? Children with autism and autism spectrum disorders often experience sleep difficulties. These can include difficulties falling asleep, maintaining sleep and experiencing short sleep duration. As with other disorders, the reasons for the [...]
My little one has Prader-Willi Syndrome. What specific things should I know about his sleep? Children with Prader-Willi syndrome can feel very hungry, which can lead to over eating and becoming overweight, although many have failure to thrive as infants. Those who are overweight, as well as those [...]
How can poor sleep change his behavior? Sleep affects almost all of children’s functioning. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, over-activity, difficulty with attention and just an overall bad mood. While we (adults) might feel sleepy or lethargic if we don’t sleep well or enough, little ones [...]
How can I help my toddler or preschooler follow directions at bedtime? Toddlers and preschoolers can have a tough time listening and following directions at bedtime – regardless of how easy it is for them to do those things during the day. This is often because everyone is tired at bedtime. [...]
How can my active toddler settle at bedtime? First, avoid caffeine such as soda, iced tea, or dark chocolate. Second, avoid electronics for about an hour before bed. Finally, having a consistent bedtime and a consistent bedtime routine will help your little one settle a bit and know it is time for [...]
How can sleep help him during the day? A good night’s sleep is important for children at every age, but especially during the preschool years when children are learning early reading, math, and play skills that are important for transitioning to kindergarten. When your little one is sleeping, his [...]
Are some children better sleepers than others? Yes – definitely. Individual differences certainly matter. A common experience of parents who have more than one child is that every child is different. This is true in several areas and sleep is not an exception. Some children are deep sleepers, [...]
What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)? Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs, usually in the evening or night, that is relieved by movement. RLS can make it hard for a child to fall asleep at bedtime or to fall back to sleep during the night. Formally, RLS is defined [...]
How do I know if my little one is overtired? Not getting enough sleep can do more than make little ones groggy. A sleepy baby or toddler, unlike adults who become lethargic, may become grumpy or hyperactive. He may also be fussy, cry, scream, arch his back, make jerky movements with his arms and [...]