Gina Johnson
There are many reasons why an 18-month-old toddler may scream in their sleep. Sleep regression, which is common around 18 months, can cause a temporary disruption in sleep. This could be due to the physical and developmental changes that toddlers go through, such as learning to use their voice and choices to impact their environment. Toddlers may also experience separation anxiety, which can lead to bedtime tantrums and crying. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and setting clear boundaries can help manage sleep issues. Additionally, teething, illness, ear infections, and fear of the dark could be factors contributing to sleep disturbances in toddlers.
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What You'll Learn
Your child might be experiencing separation anxiety
It's possible that your 18-month-old is experiencing separation anxiety, which is a normal developmental stage. Separation anxiety can cause your toddler to become clingy and anxious when you leave them, even if it's just to another room. This can happen when your child is growing, transitioning, or experiencing big changes, and they look to you to provide comfort and security.
Separation anxiety typically starts around 6 months old when babies develop a sense of object permanence and understand that something continues to exist, even when it's out of sight. It usually peaks at certain times, such as around 15 to 18 months of age, and by 3 years most children will have grown out of it. During these times, your toddler may become more clingy and anxious, and it can impact their sleep. They may cry at bedtime or when you leave the room, take short naps, or struggle to fall asleep.
To help your child through this, you can provide extra time in the morning to get ready for school or daycare to avoid feeling rushed, which can make transitions more difficult. Having a calming and consistent bedtime routine can also help, as well as providing a secure base for your child by staying calm and practicing planned separation. You can also introduce a lovey or comfort object to provide a sense of security, but be sure to wait until your child is at least 12 months old before allowing it in the crib.
Additionally, you can try to reassure your child that you're not leaving them by staying close by or checking back frequently until they're asleep. Providing a special blanket or item that makes them feel connected to you can also be comforting. It's important to be consistent with any new routines or rule changes and to establish clear boundaries and expectations.
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They could be having nightmares or night terrors
Nightmares and night terrors are common causes of toddlers screaming in their sleep. Toddlers can have nightmares when they wake up upset and frightened due to a bad dream. They may seem restless while dreaming, and once they're fully awake, they may start screaming and crying. During nightmares, toddlers are aware of their surroundings and may remember the dream, feel distressed, and seek comfort from their caregivers.
Night terrors, on the other hand, are less common than nightmares but can be more dramatic and alarming. During a night terror, a child may wake up screaming, but they remain in the deepest stages of sleep and are challenging to comfort. They may also exhibit behaviours such as rapid breathing, sweating, and thrashing around. Unlike nightmares, children experiencing night terrors do not remember the episode and are not aware of their surroundings, and caregivers should refrain from waking them as this can lead to confusion and disorientation. Instead, it is recommended to wait patiently for the child to calm down and return to sleep, which typically occurs within a few minutes.
It is important to distinguish between nightmares and night terrors to provide the appropriate response. Nightmares are a normal part of toddler development, and while they can be distressing, they are a way for children to process emotions and information. Offering quiet reassurance, soothing words, or a back rub can help your toddler feel comforted and fall back asleep. Night terrors, on the other hand, may be influenced by factors such as lack of good-quality sleep, family history, fever, or certain medications. Establishing a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine can help prevent night terrors and improve your toddler's overall sleep quality.
If you are concerned about the frequency or intensity of your toddler's nightmares or night terrors, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your child's needs and help address any underlying sleep issues.
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Teething pain could be the cause
Teething can cause pain, drooling, and fussiness in babies. The gums around the erupting teeth may be swollen and tender. This can be upsetting for parents to witness, but it's important to remember that it's a normal part of your baby's growth.
If your child is experiencing teething pain, there are a few things you can do to help soothe their discomfort. Offering your baby something cold to chew on, such as a refrigerated teething toy or ring, can help numb the pain and provide relief. A cold pacifier, spoon, clean wet washcloth, or rubber teether can also soothe sore gums. Just be sure to avoid teethers filled with liquid, as they can leak, and freezable teethers, which may be too cold or hard for your baby's mouth.
You can also try offering your baby a small dose of a children's pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for babies at least 2 months old, or ibuprofen (Motrin) for babies 6 months and older. Be sure to consult your doctor before giving your baby any medication and always follow their instructions.
It's worth noting that teething is just one possible cause of your 18-month-old's screaming in their sleep. Other potential causes include nightmares, night terrors, illness, or separation anxiety. If you're concerned about your child's sleep disturbances, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Your child might be unwell
If your 18-month-old is screaming in their sleep, it could be a sign that they are unwell. Illnesses such as a cold, fever, vomiting, ear infections, body aches, and congestion can all cause discomfort and wake your toddler suddenly, leading to crying or screaming. Teething can also be a factor, as the process can be painful and make your child feel unwell.
Another reason for your toddler's sleep disturbances could be separation anxiety, which often peaks around 15 to 18 months of age. At this stage, toddlers are learning that they are separate from their caregivers and are exploring their independence. They may become more clingy and resistant to bedtime routines, resulting in screaming or crying. Establishing consistent bedtime routines and boundaries can help reassure your toddler and make them feel more secure.
Sleep regression is another common issue at 18 months, as increased mobility, awareness, and cognitive development can disrupt sleep patterns. This might manifest as fussiness, nighttime awakenings, and more daytime naps. To improve sleep regression, it's essential to reinforce a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
If your toddler is taking longer than usual to fall asleep or seems overtired, it may be necessary to adjust their daytime sleep or evaluate their schedule. Ensuring your toddler is getting adequate physical activity during their awake time can help promote better sleep. Additionally, maintaining a predictable bedtime routine and setting clear boundaries can help prevent tantrums and crying at bedtime.
If you suspect your toddler is unwell, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or your child's pediatrician for personalized advice and guidance. They can help assess your child's health and provide recommendations to improve their sleep and overall well-being.
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They might be overtired
If your 18-month-old is screaming in their sleep, it could be due to several reasons, one of which is overtiredness.
Overtiredness can set in due to stalling, which prolongs the time it takes for your toddler to fall asleep. Dr. Whitney Roban, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert, explains that overtiredness affects toddlers just like adults. Toddlers may be consistently sleep-deprived, leading to overtiredness at night, making it difficult for them to control their emotions.
To address this, it is crucial to establish a consistent bedtime routine. A predictable bedtime routine can provide your toddler with a sense of security and comfort. It can shift bedtime from a stressful experience to a calm and connected one. Consistency in the sleep schedule and routine is key. All caregivers should agree on the sleep schedule and ensure that bedtime routines are predictable and followed consistently.
If your toddler is still taking two naps a day at around 18 months, it may be time to transition to one nap. This is a common adjustment during the 18-month sleep regression. You can move bedtime earlier if your toddler takes a short nap or refuses to nap altogether.
Additionally, spending one-on-one time with your toddler for 10 to 15 minutes before bed can make bedtime something they look forward to. Creating a bedtime routine chart that outlines each step can improve predictability and reduce anxiety about the bedtime process.
By addressing overtiredness through consistent and predictable bedtime routines, you can help your 18-month-old toddler regulate their sleep and reduce the likelihood of screaming in their sleep due to exhaustion.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why toddlers wake up screaming, including nightmares, night terrors, teething, illness, separation anxiety, and sleep regression.
Nightmares are common among toddlers and can cause them to wake up upset and frightened. To help your toddler feel better, provide comfort and reassurance, and consider leaving a night light on to help ease their fears.
During night terrors, your toddler may scream, breathe rapidly, sweat, and thrash around. However, they remain in the deepest stages of sleep and will not wake up. While it can be scary to witness, night terrors are harmless, and you should not try to wake your child.
Yes, teething can cause discomfort and pain, especially when the molars break through the gum line. Look for signs such as swollen gums and your toddler putting their hands or objects in their mouth.
Sleep regression refers to temporary disruptions in your toddler's sleep due to physical and developmental changes. Your 18-month-old may experience separation anxiety, take longer to fall asleep, or wake up earlier than usual during this time.
