Children need to have regular daytime naps. When night sleep is disturbed some parents think that removing a nap time will increase night sleep. Unfortunately this is far from the case.
If daytime naps are reduced the child becomes too tired to settle properly at night so night waking may become more frequent.
Daytime sleep opportunities should be offered in a safe room in natural daylight. Ensuring that the sun is not directly shining on the child is helpful but the room should not need to be darkened unless it is very bright. Normal background household noise is helpful because it is reassuring to the child. It reflects that there are people present and the child is not alone. Learning to be comfortable in their own space is a valuable lesson which instills confidence in being able to cope with some time alone.
Depending on the age and stage of the child, they will manage to be "happily awake" for a period of time. At the end of this time children demonstrate sleepy signals. This can be yawning, closing eyes, rubbing face with hands or on the carer if the child is being held. There is a small window of opportunity, from noting these expressions of tiredness, to achieving a successful nap. If you can settle your child within 10/15 minutes of noting these signals the chances are the child will nap successfully.
Working on improving daytime naps is easier on parents who are more awake and more patient during the day, and has a knock on effect of improving the child's night sleep, which is easier for parents too.
By 3 years of age one single 1 hour nap is enough and by 4 years most children no longer require naps. As daytime naps reduce night sleep should be slightly longer and eventually even out at 10-11.5 hours.
If you need help to resolve your child's sleep issues, Contact Dream-Angus.com
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