Many children rely on external "props" like rocking, feeding, or a parent's presence to fall asleep. When they naturally wake between sleep cycles, they don't know how to drift back off without that same help.
Children thrive on predictability. Without a clear set of cues that sleep is coming, their brains stay in "play mode" much longer than necessary. The Pillars of Healthy Sleep
What is their right now? (e.g., bedtime battles, multiple night wakings, or waking up too early) solve your child's sleep problems pdf free download
Create a 30-minute wind-down routine. This might include a warm bath, pajamas, and two specific books. Consistency is the trigger for the brain to release melatonin.
It sounds counterintuitive, but a child who stays up too late often has a harder time falling asleep. Overtired bodies produce cortisol and adrenaline, making them "wired and tired." Many children rely on external "props" like rocking,
The secret to any sleep plan isn't the specific method—it's your ability to stick with it.
Use a simple log to note what time they fell asleep and how many times they woke. Seeing the numbers improve over a week provides the motivation to keep going. Without a clear set of cues that sleep
Before turning to specific "methods," ensure these foundational elements are in place. Often, fixing the environment and schedule solves the problem without further intervention.
