Gina Johnson
While excessive daytime sleepiness is rare in children, it is a common concern for parents of toddlers. Pediatric hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, can be caused by underlying medical conditions, growth spurts, teething, or a change in sleep patterns. Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 typically require 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps, and it is normal for sleep patterns to change as they transition from two daytime naps to one. If you are concerned about your toddler's sleep habits, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider, who may suggest a sleep study or recommend behavioral changes to improve sleep quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal sleep duration | 11-14 hours daily, including naps |
| Reasons for excessive sleep | Growth spurts, teething, adjusting to sleep transitions, longer "sleep requirement", medications, iron or vitamin deficiencies, other medical conditions |
| Tips for better sleep | Regular sleep schedule, comfortable environment, natural light exposure during the day, limit screen time, mild bedtime content, white noise, security items, limit toys in crib, safe sleep surface, consistent bedtime routine |
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What You'll Learn
Toddler sleep requirements
Sleep is a huge priority for toddlers, and it is common for parents to worry when their toddlers sleep a lot. However, it is usually a normal part of their development. Toddlers between the ages of one and two usually need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep daily, including naps. This can be a sleep of 10 to 12 hours at night and a nap of 1 to 2 hours during the day.
At around 18 months old, toddlers transition from two daytime naps to just one in the afternoon. This can disrupt their sleep patterns, and they may sleep more than usual while adjusting to this transition. Toddlers may also be extra sleepy due to growth spurts, which can last up to a week or more. Teething can also cause sleep disruptions for a few days to around a week.
To help your toddler get enough sleep and improve their sleep quality, you can establish a positive and consistent bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, a bedtime story, or a back rub. It is important to be firm and consistent, so your toddler understands that bedtime is for sleeping. You can also expose them to plenty of natural light during the day, which helps regulate their circadian rhythm and signals when it's time to wind down for sleep. Additionally, limit screen time at least one hour before bedtime, as it can disrupt their sleep.
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Sleep regression
Typically, toddlers between the ages of one and two require around 10 to 14 hours of sleep daily, including naps. However, during sleep regression, they may experience difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. This can manifest as refusing to take naps, fighting bedtime, or waking up more frequently during the night. Sleep regression can be influenced by various factors, and it's important to understand the underlying causes to address it effectively.
One of the primary contributors to sleep regression is physical development. As toddlers' brains undergo significant growth, they may become more focused on acquiring new motor skills, such as walking, running, and climbing. This shift in their brain's priorities can cause sleep to take a back seat temporarily. Additionally, toddlers may experience increased emotional attachment to their parents or caregivers, leading to separation anxiety and distress at bedtime. They may become upset when it's time to sleep or take longer to fall asleep.
Mental progression also plays a role in sleep regression. Toddlers experience major developments in language and memory during these years. They start to follow two-step commands, engage in more complex play, and develop an understanding of cause and effect. These cognitive advancements can disrupt their sleep as their brains remain active and engaged in processing new information.
Furthermore, sleep regression can be triggered by significant transitions in a toddler's life. Starting preschool or daycare, potty training, transitioning to a toddler bed, or welcoming a new sibling can all impact their sleep patterns. The stress and excitement associated with these changes can make it challenging for toddlers to settle down and fall asleep. It's important to be patient during these transitions and maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help them adjust.
While sleep regression can be concerning for parents, it's important to remember that it is typically a temporary phase. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and providing comfort and reassurance can help toddlers navigate this period. If you notice any unusual behaviour or have concerns about your toddler's sleep patterns, it is always best to consult a paediatrician or healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.
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Growth spurts
In the day or so before a big growth spurt, some babies sleep more than usual. During a growth spurt, a baby's weight, length, and head circumference will grow more quickly than usual. This can lead to a temporary uptick in appetite, increased fussiness, and changes in sleep patterns.
For older babies, more frequent waking could lead to a sleep regression if routines change as a result. For instance, parents may start helping a baby to sleep when they previously fell asleep independently. Growth spurts can also lead to temporary sleep changes, such as additional unexpected sleep and/or more disrupted sleep due to hunger.
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Teething
It is important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and allow toddlers to fall asleep on their own, even if they wake up due to teething pain. Offering too much intervention when a toddler wakes up can lead to more frequent wake-ups and confusion for parents, as it may be unclear if the child is waking up due to pain or seeking attention. However, if a toddler is really struggling to sleep due to teething pain, it may be necessary to provide additional comfort and assistance to help them get the rest they need. This can include offering chilled items to chew on, such as washcloths, spoons, or teethers, or providing teething biscuits or rings to soothe sore gums.
While teething can cause sleep disturbances, it is important to note that it is just one of many factors that can impact a toddler's sleep. Growth spurts, dreams and nightmares, screen time, noise levels, and room temperature can also affect a toddler's sleep quality and duration. Therefore, it is essential to consider a range of factors when addressing sleep issues in toddlers and seek professional advice if concerns arise.
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Pediatric hypersomnia
While it is common for toddlers to sleep a lot, it can sometimes be a cause for concern. Pediatric hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, is a rare condition in children. It is characterised by sleeping for 10 or more hours at night and napping for 4 to 8 hours during the day. Children with hypersomnia may also be extremely difficult to wake and may nap in inappropriate places, such as at school. Other symptoms can include anxiety, irritation, loss of appetite, and slow thinking or speech.
If your toddler is exhibiting these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the excessive sleepiness. They may also recommend a sleep study or a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to detect hypersomnia or other sleep disorders.
There are two types of hypersomnia: primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia, also known as idiopathic hypersomnia, has no identifiable cause and is rare, affecting less than one percent of the population. Secondary hypersomnia is the result of another cause, such as lack of sleep, medical problems, infections, kidney problems, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or myotonic dystrophy. Research suggests that idiopathic hypersomnia may be related to problems with the brain's sleep-wake cycle or atypical depression.
While there are no approved treatments for idiopathic hypersomnia, behavioural changes can be effective. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bedtime, and creating a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment can help improve sleep quality. For secondary hypersomnia, medications such as stimulants or wake-inducing drugs may be prescribed, but these come with the risk of potentially harmful side effects.
It is important to note that toddler sleep patterns can vary due to factors such as growth spurts, teething, or sleep regression. Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 typically need around 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps. At around 18 months, toddlers often transition from two naps to one afternoon nap, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. This increased sleep is usually a normal part of their development and adjustment to this transition.
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Frequently asked questions
Most toddlers will require between 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including nighttime sleep and daytime naps. Sleeping more than this could be a sign of excessive daytime sleepiness, which may be caused by a medical condition. However, it's important to note that toddlers' sleep needs can vary, and they may be sleeping more due to a growth spurt, teething, or a change in their sleep schedule. Unless you notice your child acting differently while awake, it's unlikely that they are sleep-deprived. If you are concerned, it's best to speak to your pediatrician.
If your toddler is getting sufficient sleep, they will typically wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day. They should not display signs of fatigue such as rubbing their eyes, blinking, yawning, or fighting the morning sun.
Here are some tips to help your toddler get enough sleep:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
- Create a comfortable and quiet sleep environment, including a comfortable bed and pillows.
- Limit screen time before bed as it can disrupt your toddler's sleep.
- Encourage your toddler to have a comfort item, such as a lovey or blankey, for reassurance.
- Make sure your toddler is getting enough natural light during the day to regulate their circadian rhythm.
