Colin Snow
It is not uncommon for 18-month-old toddlers to experience sleep regression, which can cause them to wake up crying or screaming. Sleep regression can be caused by a variety of factors, including separation anxiety, nightmares or night terrors, teething, sickness, and changes in daily routine. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and addressing any underlying physical or developmental issues can help improve sleep patterns in toddlers. While most toddlers will grow out of this phase, it can be challenging for caregivers, requiring patience and understanding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Separation anxiety | Toddlers crave independence but still seek security and reassurance that they are safe. |
| Sickness | Illnesses such as fever, vomiting, ear infections, body aches, and congestion can cause toddlers to wake up crying. |
| Teething | Teething can cause pain and discomfort, leading to crying during sleep. |
| Sleep regression | Changes in routine or sleep training can disrupt sleep patterns and cause crying. |
| Night terrors | Toddlers may experience night terrors, during which they remain asleep but exhibit signs of distress. |
| Hunger | Insufficient food intake or a disrupted feeding schedule can result in hunger-induced crying. |
| Overstimulation | Exposure to loud noises, bright lights, or screens can overwhelm toddlers, leading to uncontrollable crying. |
| Overtiredness | Not getting enough sleep or skipping naps can lead to overtiredness and sudden crying. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 18 months, toddlers are well into the toddler stage of development, marked by rapid changes in their physical abilities, cognitive skills, and emotional evolution. Their increased mobility, awareness, and communication skills can all contribute to sleep regression. It is important for parents to maintain healthy sleep habits during this time, such as reinforcing bedtime routines and sleep schedules, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and providing comfort and reassurance.
To improve sleep during the 18-month sleep regression, it is recommended to offer an age-appropriate bedtime, prioritize naps, and consistently enforce bedtime routines. During their awake time, 18-month-olds need active play to get their bodies moving and tire them out before sleep. Allowing for a full wake window before sleep will help your toddler fall asleep and stay asleep.
It is important to remember that every child is unique, and sleep regressions can vary in duration and intensity. While challenging, sleep regression is typically short-lived and temporary, resolving as the child gets older.
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Separation anxiety
At this age, toddlers are gaining mobility and becoming more communicative, which can deepen their emotional reactions and increase separation anxiety. They are also developing their thinking, reasoning, and cognitive functions, which can contribute to their anxiety.
The most common signs of separation anxiety in toddlers include increased clinginess and crying, especially when you are initiating the separation, such as when putting them down or leaving the room. You may also notice new or more frequent sleep struggles, such as crying out during the night or struggling to fall asleep.
To help your 18-month-old with separation anxiety, you can try the following strategies:
- Create gradual distance: If your toddler cries, try to soothe them from a little farther away each time.
- Provide comforting accessories: Allow your toddler to have a favourite toy or a comfort object, such as a lovey, to remind them of you and provide reassurance. Ensure these items are safe and not choking hazards.
- Practice incremental separation: Do separation trial-runs during the day so your toddler gets used to being with other adults and can learn to stay calm when you are not by their side.
- Encourage self-soothing: Avoid immediately responding when your toddler cries. Give them a chance to calm themselves before tending to them.
- Avoid co-sleeping: Help your toddler feel more independent and secure in their own bed by avoiding bringing them into your bed.
- Establish a sleep schedule: A regular sleep schedule for both nighttime sleep and naps can reinforce a positive sleep pattern.
- Make their sleep space comfortable: Keep the area dark, quiet, and free from distractions. A white noise machine or night light can also help.
- Get active during the day: Encourage physical activity during the day, especially with exposure to natural light, to contribute to a healthy circadian rhythm and make it easier for your toddler to sleep at night.
- Engage in soothing activities: Include soothing activities in your bedtime routine, such as reading a book or giving a bath, to help your toddler relax and feel reassured.
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Night terrors
While night terrors can be scary for parents, they are harmless and much scarier for you than they are for your 18-month-old. They are not dreams or nightmares, but a fear reaction that occurs when the central nervous system is over-aroused during the transition between deep sleep stages.
If your 18-month-old is experiencing night terrors, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Address any stress in your child's life.
- Avoid screen time before bed.
- Avoid overtiredness by ensuring they get enough sleep.
- Maintain an age-appropriate bedtime.
- Ensure your child feels safe in their sleep environment.
- During a night terror episode, try patiently waiting it out without waking your child. Stay close by, speak calmly, and ensure their safety.
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Teething
To soothe a teething toddler, it can help to provide them with something to chew on, such as a teething ring or a hard vegetable. Applying pressure to the gums by massaging them with a clean finger or damp washcloth can also provide relief. It is important to avoid using gels or tablets that are rubbed on the gums, as these can contain harmful substances.
If your 18-month-old is teething, it is important to be patient and provide comfort and support. This stage can be challenging, but it will eventually pass as your toddler's teeth emerge.
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Hunger
Babies under 6 or 9 months usually have physical needs, like hunger, whereas older babies are more prone to developmental disruptions, like separation anxiety. However, separation anxiety can also cause sleep problems in toddlers. It can make them resistant to going to bed, cry out once they are in bed, or fail to get back to sleep if they wake up in the night.
Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, divided between their nap and nighttime sleep. Most drop down to a single daily nap by 18 months of age. If your toddler gets less sleep than they need, they may become overtired, resulting in a bout of sudden, uncontrollable crying.
If your 18-month-old is crying in their sleep, you can do a quick check to rule out hunger. Think back to the last time they ate and see if they might be hungry. If there are no clear indicators of hunger, it could be something else causing them to cry.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be due to separation anxiety, which is typical for toddlers and often peaks around 15 to 18 months of age. It could also be due to teething pain, sickness, nightmares, or night terrors.
Separation anxiety occurs when a child becomes anxious and insecure when they are separated from their parents or caregivers. At around 18 months, toddlers are growing in their desire for independence but still crave the security of having their parents or caregivers close by.
Separation anxiety can cause your toddler to wake up crying or screaming hysterically in the middle of the night. They may also cry out for you during their sleep.
Establishing a daily routine and a consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler feel more secure. It is also important to be patient and understand that this is a phase that your child will grow out of with time.
Aside from separation anxiety, there are other reasons why your toddler might be crying in their sleep, such as teething pain, sickness, nightmares, or night terrors. Toddlers can also cry in their sleep due to hunger, overstimulation, or overtiredness.
