Ashwin Lewis
It is not uncommon for 18-month-old toddlers to experience sleep regression, which can cause them to wake up crying. Sleep regression can be caused by several factors, including increased mobility and awareness, fear of the dark, teething, and separation anxiety. Separation anxiety peaks between 9 or 10 and 18 months, resulting in lost sleep for toddlers. Establishing a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine can help. Toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours, including naps, and getting less than this can result in overtiredness, leading to uncontrollable crying. Less commonly, toddlers 18 months and older can experience night terrors, which occur during the deepest stages of sleep.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 18 months, toddlers are going through significant physical, cognitive, and emotional development. They are gaining mobility, becoming more communicative, and experiencing deepened emotional reactions. These changes can lead to increased resistance to bedtime and restlessness during sleep. Additionally, separation anxiety can also play a role in sleep regression at this age. Toddlers may wake up crying or screaming hysterically due to the anxiety of being alone in their bed or crib.
Other factors contributing to sleep regression at 18 months include teething pain, illness, nightmares, and overstimulation. It's important to note that sleep regression is a normal phase, and it usually resolves as the child gets older. To improve sleep regression, parents can reinforce a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment, and prioritise naps.
While most toddlers experience sleep regression at some point, it's important to remember that each child is unique, and sleep patterns can vary. Some toddlers may not experience sleep regression at 18 months, and some may even show improvements in their sleep patterns during this time.
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Separation anxiety
At 18 months, toddlers are becoming more mobile and communicative, and their emotional reactions are deepening. They are also gaining a greater sense of independence but still crave the security of knowing their caregivers are close by. This can lead to separation anxiety, which may manifest as crying or screaming when the caregiver leaves the room or when the toddler wakes up alone in their bed.
To help your 18-month-old cope with separation anxiety, you can:
- Encourage self-soothing: Avoid immediately responding when your toddler cries. Give them the opportunity to calm themselves before comforting them.
- Avoid co-sleeping: Help your toddler feel more independent and secure by encouraging them to sleep in their own bed.
- Prevent sleep disruptions: If you need to comfort your child, do so while maintaining the feel of bedtime. Keep the lights low, preserve a quiet environment, and avoid taking them out of their bed.
- Create gradual distance: Each time your child cries, try to soothe them from a little farther away.
- Provide comforting accessories: Allow your toddler to have a favourite toy or stuffed animal near their bed. Ensure that these items are safe and do not pose choking hazards.
- Practice incremental separation: Do separation trial-runs during the day so your child gets used to being with other adults and staying calm when you are not by their side.
- Establish a sleep schedule: A regular schedule for both nighttime sleep and naps can reinforce a positive sleep pattern.
- Make their sleep space comfortable: Keep the area dark and quiet, free from distractions. Some toddlers benefit from a white noise machine or a dim night light.
- Engage in soothing activities: Incorporate soothing activities with soft lighting into your bedtime routine to reduce separation anxiety.
Remember, it is normal for your toddler to experience an adjustment period as they learn to manage their worries and emotions. With time and a consistent routine, they will develop the skills to self-soothe and sleep well independently.
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Night terrors
If your 18-month-old is experiencing night terrors, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their occurrence. These include addressing stress in your child's life, avoiding screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, and ensuring your child feels safe in their sleep environment. It is also important to avoid waking your child during a night terror, as this can confuse them and make it harder for them to fall back asleep. Instead, observe your child during the night terror, speak to them softly, and ensure their safety.
It is important to note that night terrors are typically harmless and are much scarier for the parent than they are for the child. They usually resolve on their own by the time a child reaches puberty. However, if night terrors are persistent or do not resolve by puberty, it is recommended to discuss them with your child's healthcare provider.
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Teething
To soothe a teething baby, you can try massaging their gums, providing them with chilled teething toys, or offering them something to chew on, like a teether or a cold washcloth. If your child is older and eating solids, you can give them frozen foods like bananas or bagels to chew on, but make sure to supervise them while they do so. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort, but it is recommended to speak with your doctor before giving any medication to your child.
It is important to note that while teething can cause crying and sleep disturbances, there could be other reasons for your 18-month-old's crying during sleep. These include hunger, illness, sleep regression, separation anxiety, or nightmares.
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Illness
It is common for 18-month-old toddlers to experience sleep regression, which can be caused by several factors, including increased mobility and awareness. Sleep regression can manifest as fussiness, nighttime awakenings, and more daytime naps.
If your 18-month-old is crying in their sleep, it could be due to illness. Babies and toddlers rely on crying to communicate their needs, so tears may be their primary way of telling you they are unwell. Illnesses such as fever, ear infections, congestion, vomiting, or body aches can wake your toddler suddenly, causing them to cry or scream in the middle of the night.
Other signs of illness to look out for include mood changes, changes in appetite, and fussiness. If your toddler is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to rule out illness as the cause of their crying. Mild illnesses can often be managed at home with over-the-counter medication, but more severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, or symptoms of an ear infection warrant a call to your pediatrician.
If you suspect dehydration, breathing difficulties, or extreme lethargy, seek immediate medical care. It is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice if you are concerned about your child's health.
In addition to illness, there are other potential causes of your 18-month-old's crying in their sleep, including teething, separation anxiety, nightmares, and changes in routine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your 18-month-old may be crying in their sleep. It could be due to hunger, teething, illness, sleep regression, separation anxiety, nightmares, or night terrors.
Separation anxiety is a major contributor to sleeping problems in toddlers. It is normal for toddlers to experience separation anxiety, but it is best for caregivers to avoid reinforcing it. You can do this by encouraging self-soothing techniques, such as giving them an opportunity to calm themselves down before tending to them.
Common signs of sleep regression include fussiness, nighttime awakenings, and more daytime naps. Other signs include fighting bedtime, increased irritability, and resisting naps.
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