The smell of fresh bread and warm pastries wafted through the air as I pushed open the door of Mrs Patel’s bakery. The little bell above the door jingled, signalling my arrival. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, highlighting shelves filled with golden loaves and buttery croissants.
I spotted Sophie and Max near the display of cookies. Max was buzzing with excitement, his tiny hands pressing against the glass case. He had his eyes set on a chocolate chip cookie bigger than his palm. Sophie, looking a little weary but still smiling, caught my eye and waved me over.
“Dr. Priya!” she called out. “We were just about to get Max his ‘reward cookie.’ He finally slept through the night without waking up!”
I smiled, feeling a surge of happiness for both of them. It had been a rough few weeks, and Sophie had shared her struggles with Max’s sleep issues during a recent clinic visit. Max turned and grinned, his cheeks smudged with flour from some earlier mischief.
“Guess who’s the sleep champion now!” he declared proudly, holding up his little fist for a bump. I laughed and bumped his fist back.
“Great job, Max!” I said. “I’m so proud of you.”
Sophie exhaled, a mixture of relief and joy. “Honestly, Priya, your advice worked wonders. The tips about setting a routine and avoiding too much attention during the night really helped.”
We picked out cookies and sat at a cozy table near the window. As we settled in, Sophie sipped her coffee and asked, “Could you remind me again about those sleep tips? I feel like I need a refresher.”
I nodded, eager to help once more.
What Are Normal Sleep Patterns?
“Sleep problems are common, especially in infancy, toddlers, and preschoolers,” I explained. “About 1 in 3 children will have sleep issues at some stage.”
- Infants: By the age of 3 months, most babies sleep through the night, but many still wake once or twice.
- 12 months: Babies average around 16 hours of sleep per day, with 2-3 hours of naps.
- 18 months: Toddlers need less sleep and might wake early.
- 3 years: 30% of toddlers wake at least once a night.
- 5 years: By now, many children give up daytime naps but might resist bedtime.
Tips for the Child Who Won’t Settle at Night
“Here are some tips for helping Max and any child who struggles to settle down at night,” I said, watching as Max happily munched on his cookie.
- Create a bedtime routine: Bath, story, and a cuddle—keep it consistent.
- Stay by their side: Reassure them, but don’t let them depend on your presence.
- Be consistent and firm: Stick to the routine every night.
- Check back briefly: Leave the room but let them know you’ll check on them.
- Background noise: Gentle sounds can offer a sense of security.
- Avoid scolding: Stay patient and gentle.
Advice for Sleeplessness, Including Waking at Night
“Night waking can be tough,” I continued. “But consistency is key.”
- Share the load: Take turns with your partner.
- Avoid attention: Giving attention during wake-ups reinforces the behavior.
- Comfort briefly: Let them cry for 5-10 minutes before soothing them.
- Avoid extra feeds or pacifiers.
Sophie nodded, taking mental notes. “That really helped last week when Max woke up a couple of times.”
Advice When the Child Comes Into the Parent’s Bed
Max giggled. “I like sneaking into Mom’s bed sometimes!”
I smiled at him. “That’s common, Max. But here’s what we can do instead.”
- Prompt return: Take the child back to their bed promptly.
- Stay brief: Give reassurance, then leave.
- Be firm: Don’t give in to staying in your bed.
Nightmares
“Max, do you ever get scary dreams?” I asked gently.
He nodded. “Sometimes there are monsters.”
“That’s okay. Nightmares are common, especially after age 5.”
- Calm reassurance: Hug, comfort, and reassure them.
- Identify stress: Bullying, scary shows, or changes at home can trigger nightmares.
Night Terrors
Sophie’s brow furrowed. “What about those times when he wakes up screaming but doesn’t seem awake?”
“Those are night terrors, and they’re different from nightmares,” I explained.
- Occur in deep sleep: Common between ages 2 to 6.
- Don’t wake them: Just make sure they’re safe.
- Short duration: Usually last 1-5 minutes.
Sleep Walking
“Some kids even walk around while still asleep!” I added.
- Common from 4 to 8 years.
- Ensure safety: Secure windows and stairs.
- Wake gently: About 15-30 minutes before usual episodes.
Persistent Problems
“If Max continues having sleep problems despite everything, it’s okay to ask for help,” I reassured Sophie.
- Seek professional advice if issues persist.
As Max ran off to give Mrs. Patel a high-five, I watched Sophie’s shoulders relax. Moments like these reminded me why I do what I do—not just to give medical advice, but to offer comfort and support to families. Seeing the relief on a parent’s face and the joy of a child who finally sleeps through the night fills my heart with warmth.
Mrs. Patel handed Max a small bag of pastries for being the “sleep champion,” and he beamed with pride. Sophie’s eyes glistened with gratitude. In a world of sleepless nights and endless worries, sometimes all it takes is a little patience, a lot of love, and a well-timed cookie.