How can I improve the sleep of my 2 year old toddler?

Doctor's Answer

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Dr Paul Ang

General Practitioner

Thank you for asking this question for the benefit of other mothers.

It can be very difficult to go on working the next day, having had a poor night sleep before.

Children are unfortunately not adults cut small.

Their sleep pattern is actually quite different from adults and as a result the things that affects their sleep might be different.

Some quick tips:

1) Some children, especially those who have some ADHD traits, sleep very poorly at night, usually since the day they are born.

2) Children are really really sensitive to "chemicals". A lot of our medications can affect their sleep, you could try asking your doctor to stop them if it is.

Also a lot of food with colouring or salt or chocolates or snacks can affect the child's sleep.

3) Some children have severe allergies that cause them to snore badly.

Might need further treatment or sometimes even surgery.

4) Some children have issues in the daytime that continue on to trouble their night time.

This one is a mixed bag, some have mild mental health issues: like attachment problems or abuse or other things, and that needs to be sorted out.

5) Children below 2 years old should get ZERO screen time. Anything that emits light will affect the sleep hormone. (And of course affects their attention and development)

6) Some children have bad sleep routines, this can be tricky to sort out. Might require a psychologist sometimes.

So as you can see, it can quickly get complicated. You should start by seeing your usual GP/Pediatrician to try to figure out.

Take care.

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