Scientists have discovered that sleeping disorders are a common occurrence in toddlers under the age of 3. Actually, it is common for 2 year old babies to start having sleeping problems, even though they have been sleeping soundly before. There are several explanations for such problems, such as separation anxiety, frustration, nightmares, night terrors, and even over-tiredness.
Separation anxiety occurs when the toddlers connects going to bed with being apart from its parents. Even toddlers, who seem very independent by day, may need the presence of their parents at night. This is why they would be reluctant to go to bed, have tantrums, and cause problems.
Nightmares and night terrors are another cause of sleeping problems. As the toddlers become older, since the age of 2 and up, their imagination starts to develop. It may create frightening images and dreams. Imagination, aided by scary shows and ghost stories, can lead to an interrupted sleep of the toddler. You have to keep in mind that to your child, the fear of ghosts and monsters is very real and very disturbing. You should try to console and support your child, as well as to install a sense of security.
Night terrors are an exacerbated version of nightmares. Basically, night terrors occur at a different stage of the sleeping process. A toddler who has experienced a night terror will likely be hysterical and hard to console. If night terrors occur often, then you should consult a doctor. Some night terrors are a consequence of the disturbed sleeping patterns of the toddler, as a consequence of using medication such as antihistamines and decongestants.
Another reason of sleeping problems is frustration. The toddlers get frustrated that they have to stop their games and go to sleep. The best way to solve this problem is to create a fun bedtime routine. It should involve something that your toddler enjoys, but also something that is pacifying and will make them go to sleep easily. It should be something like taking a warm bath, playing in the bed for a while, being read a story, or something similar. You should definitely avoid activities such as wrestling or watching TV, because these may be disturbing and cause your toddler to have problems sleeping. For toddlers that play in bed it is common that they will continue to talk and play for a while after you have left the room. You should allow this.
The last cause of toddler sleeping problems is over-tiredness. Many parents are under the impression that if their child is more tired out throughout the day, it will sleep better at night. However, over-tiredness may cause that the toddler becomes hysterical, upset and downright unpleasant in that situation. Instead of tiring out the toddler throughout the day, you should install a positive association with sleeping by having a small nap every day. A little nap over the day will cause them to overcome more easily any fears that are associated with going to bed.