Toddler's Sleep: Why Are They Sleeping All Day?

If your toddler is sleeping all day, there could be several reasons for this. Firstly, it's important to know that toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including nighttime sleep and daytime naps. If your toddler is sleeping significantly more than this, there may be an underlying issue. For instance, certain medications, iron or vitamin deficiencies, or other medical conditions can cause excessive sleepiness. In some cases, it might be due to a growth spurt, teething, or an illness. However, if you are concerned about your toddler's sleep habits, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there is anything to worry about and provide guidance on improving your toddler's sleep patterns.

Growth spurts

Toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours. This usually includes a sleep of 10 to 12 hours at night and a nap of 1 to 2 hours during the day. However, growth spurts are typically the number one reason a baby or toddler suddenly starts taking extra-long naps and sleeping later in the morning. This is especially true for newborns. During the first few months of their lives, newborns go through several sleepy spells, sleeping around the clock.

If you can spot your child’s signs of tiredness, you’ll be able to settle your child to sleep before grumpiness sets in. A positive bedtime routine will be a big help with many toddler settling and sleep concerns. A common daily sleep schedule for toddlers might look like this:

• 1 pm: Nap for no more than 2 hours
• 7.30 pm: Get into bed and say goodnight

If your toddler’s day nap is too long or too late in the day, they might not be ready for bed until late at night. It's important to keep the routine consistent on weekends as well as during the week.

Teething

• Comfort your toddler: Hugging, holding, or snuggling with your toddler may help reduce feelings of irritation and distress that interfere with sleep. Singing a lullaby or reading a bedtime story may also distract your toddler from their discomfort.
• Apply pressure to your toddler's gums: Try massaging your toddler's gums with a clean finger or allowing them to chew on a solid teething ring before bed. You can also let your toddler sleep with a pacifier that they can bite or chew during the night.
• Use cold to reduce pain and swelling: Let your toddler bite, suck, or eat something cold to help decrease inflammation. Try freezing a clean, damp washcloth or a teething toy for your toddler to chew on. If your toddler eats solids, you can feed them cold, soft foods or let them chew on a refrigerated apple, carrot, or cucumber—just make sure to supervise them to prevent choking.
• Wipe away drool: Regularly remove drool with a soft cloth to prevent a rash from developing and adding to your toddler's discomfort.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers: If other methods are ineffective or your toddler is in too much pain to sleep, you can give them an age- and weight-appropriate dose of a pain reliever such as infant acetaminophen or infant ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months old). Consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider before administering any medication.

It's important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and allow your toddler to fall asleep on their own, even if they wake up during the night. Offering more intervention when your toddler wakes up due to pain can lead to more frequent wake-ups and confusion about the cause of their sleep disturbances.

Illness

If your toddler is sleeping all day, it could be due to an illness. When sick, a toddler's body needs lots of extra rest as it works to fight off the illness. This is normal. However, if your child is sleeping more than usual, it's important to rule out any medical concerns that could be causing lethargy and higher-than-average sleep.

Some illnesses that cause increased sleepiness in toddlers include:

• Walking pneumonia: A less serious form of lung infection.
• Teething: This can lead to increased night waking, shortened naps, and low-grade fevers.
• Common cold: A nasty bout of the common cold can cause increased sleepiness, similar to teething.
• Infections: Infections can cause a toddler to sleep more, especially in the first month of life when they can progress very fast.
• Sleep apnea: This condition can affect children and cause them to seem extra sleepy.

If you are concerned about your toddler's sleep habits, it is important to talk to your child's healthcare provider. They can help determine if there is anything to worry about and provide guidance on how to improve your toddler's sleep.

Sleep disorders

Pediatric Hypersomnia:

Pediatric hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, is a rare condition in children. It is characterised by excessive drowsiness, even after sleeping for 10 or more hours at night. Other symptoms include the need for daytime naps, confusion or disorientation upon waking, and trouble waking from long sleeps. If you notice these symptoms in your toddler, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the excessive sleepiness.

Common Causes of Excessive Sleepiness in Toddlers:

• Growth spurts: During the first few months of life, newborns often experience growth spurts that result in increased sleepiness.
• Teething: Teething can disrupt sleep patterns and cause increased sleepiness in toddlers.
• Illness: Similar to teething, illnesses can make toddlers feel unwell and lead to increased sleepiness as their bodies fight off the illness.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, iron or vitamin deficiencies, or underlying infections, can contribute to excessive sleepiness in toddlers.

Tips for Managing Toddler Sleep:

• Understand sleep patterns: Learn about typical toddler sleep patterns to establish a positive bedtime routine and promote healthy sleep habits.
• Consistent bedtime routine: A calming and consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers settle more easily and feel ready for sleep. This includes activities such as brushing teeth, reading a book, and quiet time before lights out.
• Limit screen time: Avoid exposure to screens (TV, tablets, etc.) at least an hour before bedtime, and keep devices out of your toddler's bedroom.
• Safe sleeping environment: Ensure your toddler's sleeping environment is safe and comfortable, including the use of a light blanket and security items like a small soft toy or blanket ("lovies").
• Address sleep disruptions: If your toddler is experiencing nightmares, separation anxiety, or discomfort (such as teething pain), address these issues to improve their sleep quality.
• Engage during wakeful periods: When your toddler is awake, engage in one-on-one playtime and provide educational toys to stimulate their development.

Screen time

• Limit screen time: It is recommended to limit the amount of time toddlers spend in front of screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that toddlers should have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day. This includes watching educational programmes or playing interactive games specifically designed for children.
• No screens before bedtime: To promote healthy sleep habits, it is advisable to turn off all screens at least one hour before your toddler's bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. By avoiding screens before bed, you can help your toddler's body prepare for sleep.
• Keep devices out of the bedroom: It is best to keep televisions, computers, and tablets out of your toddler's bedroom. This creates a screen-free zone and establishes the bedroom as a place solely for sleep. If your toddler has access to screens in their room, it may be challenging for them to resist the temptation to use them, especially when they should be sleeping.
• Monitor content: Be mindful of the content your toddler is exposed to on screens. Scary or exciting programmes or games close to bedtime can overstimulate your toddler and make it difficult for them to wind down. Choose calm and gentle content, and if possible, co-view with your toddler to ensure the content is age-appropriate and not too stimulating.
• Encourage alternative activities: Instead of screen time, encourage your toddler to engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading books, listening to soothing music, or practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing. These activities can help your toddler unwind and prepare for sleep.
• Lead by example: Modelling good screen habits is essential. If you want your toddler to follow healthy screen time habits, it is crucial that you also limit your own screen time, especially around your toddler. Children learn by observing, so show them how to have a healthy relationship with screens.

By managing your toddler's screen time effectively, you can help improve their sleep habits and overall well-being. Remember that every toddler is unique, and you know your child best, so adjust these guidelines as needed to suit their individual needs.

Frequently asked questions