CHILDREN’S SLEEP PROBLEMS: DEVELOPMENTAL EXPECTATIONS
Problem:
Developmental Issues:
Frequent Waking
An infant may need to be six months old before gaining the neurological maturity necessary to settle into an 8-10 hour nighttime stretch of sleep (although many do it sooner). Older children tend to wake periodically due to illness, dreams, or while learning a new developmental task. Very often the cause is undetermined.
Waking for Feeding
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After three or four months, a healthy, full-term infant no longer needs night feedings for nutritional reasons. Early risers may wake up hungry.
Separation issues peak at times of developmental disequilibrium (leaps or regression). Typical times: four to six months, nine to twelve months, one and a half to two years, and subsequent half-year stages. Fears are strong for toddlers and preschoolers. Older preschoolers tend to fall asleep quickly once settled.
Unusual Cycles
An infant may have his “days and nights mixed up”—this can be adjusted. Up to and including nine months, an infant may take a third nap around dinner time, so a late bedtime is not inappropriate. Typical bedtime for a toddler/preschooler is between 7:30 and 9:00 pm.
Nightmares
Infants appear to “dream” (or to be affected by dreaming) at around 9 months. Children continue to gain the language to express dreams and fears beginning at age two. This may peak during preschool years.
Sleep Terrors
These are probably experienced by infants, occur most commonly around age four, and decrease by school age.
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