HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Sleeplessness In An Infant?

default
Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Question: My20 month old son is not sleeping nowdays. plwase suggect what to do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on sleep in a toddler

Detailed Answer:
Hi...This is the normal sleep pattern in a Toddler (1-3 yr)

Total sleep: average is 11-13 hr
Nighttime: average is 9.5-10.5 hr
Naps: average is 2-3 hr; decrease from 2 naps to 1 at average age of 18 mo

Suggestions on good sleep -

1. Have a set bedtime and bedtime routine for your child. Never change this timing or routine.

2. Bedtime and wake-up time should be about the same time. There should not be more than about an hour difference from one day to another.

3. Make the hour before bed shared quiet time. Avoid high energy activities, such as rough play, and stimulating activities, such as watching television or playing computer games, just before bed.

4. Don’t send your child to bed hungry. A light snack (such as milk and cookies) before bed is a good idea. Heavy meals within an hour or 2 of bedtime, however, may interfere with sleep.

5. Avoid products containing caffeine for at least several hours before bedtime. These include caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea, and chocolate.

6. Make sure your child spends time outside every day, whenever possible, and is involved in regular exercise.

7. Keep your child’s bedroom quiet and dark. A low-level night light is acceptable for children who find completely dark rooms frightening.

8. Keep your child’s bedroom at a comfortable temperature during the night (<24°C [75°F]).

9. Don’t use your child’s bedroom for time-out or punishment.

10. Keep the television set out of your child’s bedroom. Children can easily develop the bad habit of “needing” the television to fall asleep. It’s also much more difficult.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Sleeplessness In An Infant?

Brief Answer: Suggestions on sleep in a toddler Detailed Answer: Hi...This is the normal sleep pattern in a Toddler (1-3 yr) Total sleep: average is 11-13 hr Nighttime: average is 9.5-10.5 hr Naps: average is 2-3 hr; decrease from 2 naps to 1 at average age of 18 mo Suggestions on good sleep - 1. Have a set bedtime and bedtime routine for your child. Never change this timing or routine. 2. Bedtime and wake-up time should be about the same time. There should not be more than about an hour difference from one day to another. 3. Make the hour before bed shared quiet time. Avoid high energy activities, such as rough play, and stimulating activities, such as watching television or playing computer games, just before bed. 4. Don’t send your child to bed hungry. A light snack (such as milk and cookies) before bed is a good idea. Heavy meals within an hour or 2 of bedtime, however, may interfere with sleep. 5. Avoid products containing caffeine for at least several hours before bedtime. These include caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea, and chocolate. 6. Make sure your child spends time outside every day, whenever possible, and is involved in regular exercise. 7. Keep your child’s bedroom quiet and dark. A low-level night light is acceptable for children who find completely dark rooms frightening. 8. Keep your child’s bedroom at a comfortable temperature during the night (<24°C [75°F]). 9. Don’t use your child’s bedroom for time-out or punishment. 10. Keep the television set out of your child’s bedroom. Children can easily develop the bad habit of “needing” the television to fall asleep. It’s also much more difficult. Regards - Dr. Sumanth