What is narcolepsy, and when does it develop? Do I have to be concerned about my toddler? Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic neurologic disorder that causes people to have excessive sleepiness during the daytime even though they are getting plenty of sleep at night. People with narcolepsy often describe [...]
I have narcolepsy. Do I need to worry about my baby having it too? Narcolepsy can certainly run in families, but this is actually more the exception rather than the rule. Fewer than 5% of people with narcolepsy will have a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) who also has narcolepsy. [...]
I’m pregnant. What can I expect about my sleep? Many women experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy, but this does not mean that every woman will have poor sleep when pregnant. You may end up being one of the lucky ones, although most women experience changes in their sleep. Studies that [...]
Why doesn’t my baby sleep well? If your baby doesn’t sleep well, think about two main things: your baby herself and the environment around her. Regarding your baby, think about whether or not there is anything bothering her physically that could be disrupting her sleep. For instance, she might [...]
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 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 [...]
Are there any safe medications to help promote sleep for toddlers? The short answer is, no. There are currently no drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intended to promote sleep in infants and young children. Most drugs have not been formally tested for pediatric sleep [...]
What are some signs that my baby is sleepy? There are many signs that your baby is sleepy. Some babies get cranky and irritable. Other babies rub their eyes, pull on their ears, or twirl their hair. And some babies simply zone out and start to stare off into space. Learn your baby’s signs of when [...]
My baby barely sleeps. Will this affect her development? First of all, we know that sleep is important and that babies spend about half their lives sleeping. Sleep seems to mostly affect your baby’s daily mood and how well she functions on a day-to-day basis. Longer term studies on sleep and [...]