The reasons for unsleeping night?

[Anni]

Hi there! I want to share with you one strange fact. I think that my daughter (2 years old) does not like to sleep!!!
I do not know what specialist think about that, but I can approve it. She always need something-she is hungry or thirsty, hot or cold, not to mention daily sleep. She still wakes up in the middle of the night and cry. I do not know what to do anymore. Please help!

[5Homebirths4Kate]

Hi Anni,

2 year olds need about 13 hours of sleep each day. 10-12 hours at night, and 1-3 hours during nap time. If your daughter is not getting this much sleep it could be affecting her health.

Many people don't truly understand how very important rest is. Without proper rest and sleep, the body will become sick. But also, if the body is sick, it can create a situation where the child is restless and cannot rest peacefully.

Where does your daughter sleep at night? In your bed next to you? In your bed, but not next to you? In her own bed? Do you try to give your daughter a nap each day?

Do you breastfeed her to sleep? Does she take a bottle to fall asleep? Does she like to suck on a dummy / pacifier? Does she take her milk from a sippy cup or a regular cup now?

Anything you can add about your daughter's sleep patterns would be helpful.

Warm Regards,

Kate

[Anni]

Hi Kate!

My daughter sleeps in her own bad, because I think that is better for her. Am I right?
I try to give her a nap each day, but she need much time to fall asleep, sometimes it takes one hour! She takes a bottle to fall asleep. When she was baby, I sang lullaby, but I have never hold her on my hands to fall asleep. I take her to walk, to play with other children. Each day she has a lots of activities to do, but she rarely gets tired and fall asleep at the moment. The hardest thing to me is that she need so much time to fall asleep. If you have some advice, please write it to me.

Regards, Anni

[mom2many]

I would try adding in a nap during the day. You say you take her on walks and let her play with other children, so maybe she is not taking a nap during the day because she is getting too much stimulation. Instead of taking her on these outings, why not implement a rule wherein an hour of time a day is spent quietly lying on the bed in a dimly lit room. Chances are she will fall asleep and sleep begets sleep.

Also, make sure you are not giving her any caffeinated beverages during the day or lots of sugar, especially in the four hours prior to sleep/nap time. Turn off televisions, computers, and any other games an hour before bed as well and keep the house quiet and dark during this time.

She likely needs a good, calm routine to turn off her mind and get some sleep. Good luck!

-Angela

[Anni]

Hi mom2many!
My daughter takes a nap every day, but you might be right about getting too much stimulation.
But you are totally right about beverages and lots of sugar few hours before sleep time.
Since she was born, my house is quiet during the time when she have to fall asleep, so that's not problem. Thanks!
Anni

[Anni]

Hi Angela!

I have stopped giving my daughter caffeinated beverages and reduce sweets. She always takes a bath before sleep time and she likes it. For the last two days she easy fall asleep, so I must say that I'm lucky now!

Thanks for your advices!

Anni

[5Homebirths4Kate]

Great advice from Angela! Sounds like the caffeinated beverages and high sugar were contributing to your daughter not falling asleep.

Kate

[Anni]

Yes, thank you again!

[aayans]

May be she feels uncomfortable by her wearing clothes or try to understand what she want in caring matter for her.