Ashwin Lewis
If your 1-year-old is not sleeping well, there could be several reasons. Firstly, it could be due to the developmental milestones they are reaching, such as crawling, walking, or saying their first words. They might be too excited about these new skills to sleep well. Secondly, teething pain and discomfort could be causing your toddler to wake up during the night. Illnesses such as colds or ear infections can also negatively impact their sleep. Additionally, 1-year-olds are more aware of their surroundings, so changes in their environment, excessive noise, too much light, or too much screen time could be triggering their sleep problems. It's important to create a positive and consistent bedtime routine, ensure their sleep environment is safe and comfortable, and encourage healthy sleep habits early on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep Requirements | Between 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps |
| Developmental Milestones | Crawling, walking, and saying first words |
| Separation Anxiety | Increased awareness of object permanence |
| Screen Time | Excessive screen time can trigger sleeping problems |
| Environment | Excessive noise, light, or temperature can disrupt sleep |
| Sleep Schedule | Inconsistent sleep schedules or lack of routine |
| Sleep Associations | Resistance to sleeping alone or in a separate bed |
| Sleep Disorders | Night terrors, sleep apnea, or fear of sleep |
| Illness | Teething, colds, or infections can affect sleep |
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What You'll Learn
Teething, illness, or discomfort
At around 1 year old, your toddler is going through massive developmental leaps and milestones. They are probably adept at crawling, might be working on their first steps, and are learning their first words. These new skills are exciting, and your little one might be too busy practicing to get good sleep. This is called a sleep regression, and it can be a challenging phase for both toddlers and parents.
Teething is also a big part of a 1-year-old's life, causing pain and discomfort that could keep them awake. Illnesses such as common colds or ear infections can also negatively affect sleep. If your child is sick, they may need more sleep than usual. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as snoring or difficulty breathing while asleep, as these could indicate a sleep disorder.
Separation anxiety is another common issue at this age. Your child might become anxious and emotional when separated from you or other loved ones. This can lead to bedtime resistance and a fear of missing out on what happens after they go to bed. Practicing and playing games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek can help your baby explore the concept of object permanence and ease some of the signs of separation anxiety.
To help your 1-year-old sleep better, stick to a consistent sleep schedule and maintain a positive bedtime routine. Involve your toddler in the process of setting up their bed and provide positive encouragement to make the transition exciting. You can also try the "bedtime fading" approach, where your toddler doesn't go to bed until they feel naturally tired or drowsy, resulting in fewer nighttime wakings.
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Separation anxiety
A one-year-old's sleep cycle starts to change and look more like an adult's, with four sleep stages (three of which are non-REM sleep, and the fourth is REM sleep). Cycling through these different stages can cause them to wake up and struggle to fall back asleep as they get used to the new pattern.
At this age, your toddler is also making massive developmental leaps. They're probably adept at crawling around the house and might be working on their very first steps. They may even be learning their first words. These new skills are exciting, and your little one might be too busy practising to get enough sleep.
- Crying when you leave the room
- Clinging or crying, especially in new situations
- Awakening and crying at night after previously sleeping through the night
- Refusing to go to sleep without a parent nearby
To help your one-year-old adjust to separation anxiety and improve their sleep, you can try the following strategies:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine. A familiar routine provides security and can help your baby adjust to the idea of separation.
- Introduce a transitional object or "lovey", such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal, to provide comfort and ease feelings of anxiety. Ensure that the object is safe for your baby to have in their crib and does not pose a choking hazard.
- Spend intentional 1-on-1 time with your child, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. This extra attention can help your little one feel more secure and adjust to transitions or changes.
- Play separation games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek to reinforce the idea that you will come back and to help your toddler explore object permanence.
- Cuddle and comfort your child when you are together to help them feel more secure and better handle separations.
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Developmental milestones
As toddlers grow, they become more aware of their surroundings, and their growing imagination can start to interrupt their sleep. Distractions at bedtime may also disrupt them. A simple and consistent bedtime routine can help get your toddler to sleep. Between the ages of 1 and 2, most children need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps.
At around 12 months, toddlers are learning to pull up, stand, cruise, and take their first steps. They are also learning to talk and say their first words. These new skills are exciting, and your child might be too busy practising to sleep well. This increased mobility and mastery of developmental milestones can bring new sleep challenges.
Separation anxiety is another factor that can disrupt sleep. It is normal for a 12-month-old to become anxious and emotional when separated from their loved ones. This can make it difficult for them to settle for naps or fall back asleep at night.
Another factor is the transition from two naps to one. Toddlers typically condense their two naps into one afternoon nap around 18 months or sometimes sooner. Adjusting to this new schedule can take some time and may contribute to sleep challenges.
Finally, toddlers' sleep can be affected by their sleep environment and habits. Ensuring a comfortable and quiet sleep space can promote better sleep. Additionally, encouraging healthy sleep habits, such as a consistent bedtime routine and adequate daily activity, can help reduce sleep issues.
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Screen time
Research has shown that every minute of daytime touchscreen use by 13-month-olds resulted in one minute of lost nighttime sleep. Additionally, for preschoolers, each hour of screen time beyond the recommended one-hour daily limit was associated with up to 11 minutes of lost sleep. While increased screen time during the day may lead to longer nighttime sleep, it can also result in fewer daytime naps, which are crucial for a 1-year-old's overall sleep needs.
The content that toddlers engage with on screens can also be stimulating, especially as they are able to scroll and interact with it. This stimulation, combined with the effects of blue light, can contribute to sleep issues. Furthermore, as children grow, their media use tends to increase. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children ages 2 to 5. However, a study by Common Sense Media found that 2- to 4-year-olds averaged two-and-a-half hours of daily screen use, with TV and videos accounting for 80% of this.
In addition to impacting sleep, excessive screen time can contribute to behavioural issues in toddlers, including tantrums, difficulty paying attention, and impulsivity. These issues are more prevalent when children do not get enough sleep. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the amount and type of screen time your 1-year-old is exposed to, and to prioritize creating a consistent bedtime routine that promotes healthy sleep habits.
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Inadequate sleep environment
A 1-year-old child should be getting 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps. However, if your toddler is struggling to sleep, it could be due to an inadequate sleep environment.
Firstly, your child's sleep environment should be safe and secure. Ensure that dangerous items, such as cords from blinds and power points, are kept out of reach. Also, limit access to areas where your toddler could fall, such as stairs or windows. If your child is still sleeping in a crib, make sure the mattress is at its lowest setting to prevent them from climbing out. If they are in a toddler bed, consider installing a gate in the doorway to prevent them from wandering around the house.
Secondly, reduce noise and light distractions. Toddlers will learn to sleep with some noise, but excessive noise, loud TVs, or conversations can be disruptive. Similarly, too much light can affect their sleep. Make their room somewhere you would sleep soundly, and chances are you will make it more comfortable for your toddler.
Thirdly, limit screen time. Time spent with screens, such as TVs or tablets, can disrupt a child's sleep. Instead, encourage outdoor play and exposure to natural light during the day to regulate their sleep hormone melatonin.
Finally, maintain a positive and consistent bedtime routine. A warm bath, a bedtime story, or positive affirmations can help your toddler feel secure and comfortable at bedtime.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Your toddler might be experiencing separation anxiety, especially if they are becoming more mobile and are learning new words. They might also be excited about reaching developmental milestones and are too busy practicing their new skills to sleep. Teething could also be a factor, as it can cause pain and discomfort that may keep them awake.
Between the ages of 1 and 2, most children need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps. However, the exact amount of sleep your child needs may vary depending on individual factors such as whether they are sick or having an off day.
Here are some strategies that may help:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and maintain a positive bedtime routine.
- Make sure your toddler gets enough exposure to natural light and outdoor play during the day to regulate their sleep hormone melatonin.
- Reduce noise and light distractions in their sleep environment and limit screen time before bed.
- Ensure their sleep environment is safe and secure, removing any hazards that could cause injury.
- Provide comfort items such as a small soft blanket or stuffed animal ("lovey") for added security.
