Ways Normal Development Affects Sleep
You have probably heard people say something like, “the only thing consistent in life is change.” This statement is especially true for children and normal development. They may have beautiful and lengthy sleep patterns for months and then, seemingly out of nowhere, bedtime and sleep become extremely challenging.
Development in babies and young children occurs rapidly. When parents start discussing sleep issues, often times Forty Carrots Parenting Educators ask if the child is learning a new skill or perfecting something new. It can be something big like rolling over or walking and it can be something small like learning to jump with two feet. When babies and young children are learning a new skill, their sleep is disrupted. Their brains are so excited to be able to do something new that they essentially wake up in the middle of the night or struggle to sleep because they want to engage in their new skill!
Refer to the chart below for changes that you may see around specific ages; then read the suggestions for tips on how you can try to improve sleep!
| Age | Possible Changes | Suggestions |
| 4-5 Months |
• Aware of differences between people; cries when put down • Wants to touch everything: easily distracted • Rolls Over |
• Begin teaching her to sleep in own bed. Comfort her there with patting, rubbing-working toward laying her down and leaving. • Remove excess stimulation (crib toys). Don’t assume, that because she balks, she isn’t tired. • Flip her back over and leave. Encourage rolling both ways during the day. Be patient and minimally involved until she learns. Teach her to sleep in various positions. |
| 5-7 Months | • Creeps/Crawls; won’t lie still when put down | • Use slow, calming routine to wind down. Allow time to move about until he feels comfortable—don’t expect him to fall asleep immediately. |
| 8-12 Months |
• Good sleepers may now begin to wake at night • Separation issues peak |
• Common time for sleep problems to develop. Make response as matter-of-fact as possible. • Probably not a good time to cry-it-out alone (crying may just escalate). Pop back in at bedtime — make visits brief; try not to pick her up. Encourage use of favorite secure object. |
| Toddler- 3 Years |
• Separation issues again • Fears are strong—may seem irrational • Negative, power struggles; resists sleep and naps • Refuses comfort from one parent |
• Respond as above. • Stay calm and reassuring. Alter sleeping environment as needed (open door, light, etc.). • Try not to engage in battle. Instead, stay calm and matter-of-fact. • Don’t take it personally. Share or alternate sleep duty. Be more involved in other activities (bath, play). It will pass. Try again when you sense less negativism. |
| Pre-school 3-5 years |
• Excited about life; physically active; procrastinates at bedtime; climbs out of bed • Imagination expands; fears and nightmares emerge; wants you present at bedtime and during night. • Expresses independences; wants to extend bedtime; may fight naptime. |
• Keep play before bed calm. Expect a lengthy bedtime routine. Decide on limits in advance. • Decide on strategy in advance, according to family values. Teach coping skills during the day. • Try not to engage in battle. Ask her wishes and incorporate them into sleep routine. Where possible, find other areas of life in which to empower her. |
For more information on sleep challenges, check out this link from Zero to Three!
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/331-sleep-challenges-why-it-happens-what-to-do
