Gina Johnson
Sleep is a common issue for parents of two-year-olds, with many toddlers experiencing a sleep regression at this age. There are many reasons why a two-year-old might cry in their sleep, from nightmares or night terrors to hunger or developmental milestones. Night terrors are more common in children aged 3-7, but they can occur in toddlers as young as 18 months. They tend to happen during the deepest part of sleep, early in the night, and can be very distressing for parents to witness. Unlike nightmares, children generally don't remember night terrors, and they are not usually a cause for concern. Toddlers may also cry in their sleep due to hunger, stress, or anxiety, and it's important to establish a healthy sleep routine to help them get the rest they need.
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What You'll Learn
Night terrors
It is common for babies and toddlers to cry in their sleep. In most cases, it is not a sign of a serious problem but rather a phase. For example, very young children may cry in their sleep simply because they are hungry. However, crying in sleep may also be a sign of a nightmare or night terror.
If your child is experiencing a night terror, it is recommended that you stay close by and speak to them calmly. Do not be surprised if they mumble or do not respond—they are not awake during the night terror and will not remember it in the morning. You should also ensure that they do not hurt themselves by running into objects or thrashing against their bed. If possible, direct them away from dangerous objects.
If your child's night terrors are persistent or continue past puberty, discuss them with your child's healthcare provider.
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Nightmares
It is normal for toddlers to experience nightmares. Nightmares occur during light sleep, or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when dreams occur. Nightmares can begin as young as 6 months of age and are most frequent between 3 and 12 years old. Toddlers may experience nightmares when they are overtired, stressed, or experiencing fear and anxiety. Changes in a child's environment can also trigger nightmares, such as a new teacher, a new sibling, or a new work schedule for a parent.
If your 2-year-old is experiencing nightmares, there are several things you can do to help them cope and prevent future occurrences. Firstly, provide comfort and reassurance. Offer a comforting back or belly rub and speak to your child in a soft, gentle voice. If this doesn't help, it is okay to pick them up and spend some time rocking and singing with them until they relax. You can also turn on a very dim light and talk to your child about how they are feeling. It is important to allow children to express themselves, even if they are unable to communicate what is wrong.
To prevent nightmares, ensure your child is getting enough sleep and maintain an age-appropriate bedtime routine. Limit daytime sleep to 2-3 hours and allow 5-6 hours of awake time between your toddler's nap and bedtime. A calming bedtime routine can also help ease stress and anxiety that may contribute to nightmares. Avoid scary books or stories, provide a cheerful night-light, and leave the bedroom door ajar. Additionally, heavy snacking or a heavy meal before bedtime can activate your child's brain and potentially lead to more nightmares.
If your child is experiencing frequent nightmares, consider keeping a sleep diary for a week or two to track their sleep patterns and identify any potential triggers. If the nightmares continue or interfere with your child's ability to function, consult a pediatrician or a sleep specialist.
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Sleep regression
There are several factors that can contribute to sleep regression in two-year-olds:
- Developmental milestones: Learning to walk, talk, and gain independence can make it difficult for toddlers to settle down and relax at bedtime. For example, a child learning to talk may want to practice their new language skills at night or during naptime.
- Changes in environment: Moving to a new home, starting daycare, or changing bedtime routines can disrupt sleep patterns and cause sleep regression. These changes can also lead to feelings of anxiety or insecurity, making it harder for the child to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
- Testing boundaries: Toddlers at this age are curious and eager to explore, which can sometimes interfere with sleep. They may try antics like removing their diaper at bedtime or refusing to get into their pyjamas.
- Longer wake windows: Two-year-olds can usually stay awake for longer periods, and they need to be awake longer to be sufficiently tired before bed. However, this can trick parents into thinking their child is ready to give up napping when they are not.
- Nighttime fears and nightmares: Exposure to books, language, and television can lead to a more vivid imagination, resulting in nightmares or nighttime fears that disrupt sleep.
To manage sleep regression, parents can create a calm and soothing environment for sleep, establish a consistent bedtime routine, and provide an age-appropriate schedule to prevent overtiredness. It is also important to follow the child's sleep cues and put them to sleep before they become overtired and irritable.
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Hunger
Babies and toddlers who are way past hungry may also start crying in their sleep. This can happen when they are out and fall off their regular feeding schedule. Toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours. If they get less than that, they may become overtired, which can also lead to crying in their sleep.
To prevent hunger-related sleep disturbances, it is important to ensure that your toddler is getting enough to eat during the day and that they are going to bed at a consistent time. If your toddler skips a nap or fights going to sleep one night, they may become overtired, which can lead to sudden, uncontrollable crying.
It is worth noting that toddlers may also cry in their sleep due to other reasons, such as nightmares, night terrors, teething pain, illness, sleep regression, separation anxiety, or dirty diapers.
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Testing boundaries
It is common for babies and toddlers to cry in their sleep. In most cases, this is not a cause for concern, but rather a phase that the child will eventually outgrow. However, it can be distressing for caregivers, especially when it interferes with the child's sleep patterns and development.
Toddlers go through a phase of rapid development and exploration, which includes testing boundaries. This can be a challenging time for parents, as toddlers may start to fight bedtime or nap time, leading to less sleep and an overtired child. Testing boundaries is a normal part of a toddler's development, as they seek to exert their independence and learn about the world around them. They may do this by refusing to get into their pyjamas, removing their diaper, or throwing things out of their crib. It is important to remain consistent and firm with your boundaries during this time, offering choices within the limits you've set. For example, instead of asking "Do you want to go to bed?", try "It's time for bed. Do you want to walk to your room or do you want me to carry you?".
Sleep regressions are common during the toddler years, and can be caused by various factors such as testing boundaries, changes in sleep needs, transitioning out of a crib too early, big changes at home, or milestones like potty training. These regressions can last from a few days to several weeks, and it is important to remain consistent with routines and boundaries to help your toddler through this phase. It is recommended that children stay in their crib until at least 3 years old, as this can help with the transition to a bed.
In addition to testing boundaries, there are other possible reasons for a 2-year-old's sleep regression, such as separation anxiety or teething. Spending intentional one-on-one time with your toddler during the day can help ease separation anxiety. Teething may also impact sleep for a brief period, but it is not a common cause of sleep regression.
Nightmares and night terrors are also potential causes of crying in sleep. Night terrors are more common during the deeper phases of sleep and can be intense and scary for both parents and toddlers. They usually occur in children between 4 and 12 years old, but can happen as early as 18 months. It is important to comfort your child and let them know you are there for them, and speak to a doctor if the night terrors continue or interfere with their sleep.
While it can be challenging, it is important to remain patient and consistent during this phase of boundary testing. Offer choices and provide opportunities for your toddler to exert their independence within the boundaries you've set, and remember that this is an important part of their development.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why your 2-year-old is crying in their sleep. One common reason could be nightmares, which are related to a child's development, anxiety, stress, or lack of sleep. Another reason could be night terrors, which are common in toddlers and can cause them to cry out, be agitated, and have an increased heart rate. Other reasons include teething pain, illness, hunger, or gas.
Night terrors are episodes of intense fear and panic that occur during the deepest stage of sleep. They are different from nightmares as children don't wake up fully and won't remember the episode. They may cry out, scream, or sit up during a night terror but will not be responsive to comfort. Night terrors usually last a few seconds to a few minutes and can happen regularly for weeks or months before resolving on their own.
Here are some strategies that may help reduce the occurrence of night terrors:
- Establish a regular bedtime routine, such as a bath, story, and bed.
- Maintain a comfortable sleep environment with low lighting and a temperature of around 21.1°C (70°F).
- Address any stress or anxiety your child may be experiencing.
- Avoid screen time before bed and ensure your child is getting enough sleep.
- If your child is experiencing breathing problems, speak to your healthcare provider about an ear, nose, and throat assessment.
