If you’ve ever wondered why your toddler wakes so frequently at night or why they take forever to fall asleep, you’re not alone! Toddler sleep is very different from adult sleep, and understanding these differences can help you respond to your little one’s needs with more confidence and patience.
Let’s dive into:
✅ How toddler sleep differs from adult sleep
✅ The stages of toddler sleep
✅ Why frequent night wakings are completely normal
How Toddler Sleep Differs from Adult Sleep
Adults tend to sleep in longer cycles (around 90 minutes), moving smoothly between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. In contrast, toddler sleep cycles are much shorter—about 45-60 minutes. This means:
- They wake up more often—every cycle is a chance for a brief wake-up!
- They spend more time in light sleep, making them more sensitive to sounds and movements.
- They need more REM sleep, which is crucial for brain development but can cause more night wakings.
Sleep Tip: If your toddler wakes frequently at night, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” Their sleep is working exactly as it should! Instead of rushing to make changes, focus on gentle, consistent sleep habits that encourage independent resettling.
Struggling with frequent night wakings? My personalised sleep plans can help! [Click here to learn more!]
The Stages of Toddler Sleep
Toddlers go through three main sleep stages in every cycle:
Light Sleep (Stages 1 & 2): This is the dozing-off phase. They are easily startled awake, which is why sudden noises can disturb them.
Deep Sleep (Stages 3 & 4): The magic happens here! Growth hormones are released, the body repairs itself, and immune function strengthens. This is why overtired toddlers struggle to fall asleep—because they miss out on this stage! This is also when night terrors and sleep walking will occur.
REM Sleep: This is active sleep, where dreams happen and the brain is busy processing emotions and new skills. If your toddler wakes from REM sleep, they may seem alert, fussy, or chatty. Nightmares are likely to appear in this stage of sleep.
Sleep Tip: Help your toddler settle into sleep by keeping a calming bedtime routine—dimming lights, using white noise, and having a consistent wind-down process can ease transitions into deep sleep.
Why Frequent Night Wakings Are Normal
Waking at night isn’t just common—it’s expected! Since toddlers have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in light and REM sleep, they are naturally prone to wake-ups. Here’s why:
- Sleep Cycle Transitions: Each cycle brings a small wake-up, and some toddlers struggle to fall back asleep independently.
- Sleep Associations: If your little one relies on feeding, rocking, or patting to sleep, they might wake looking for the same comfort.
- Developmental Leaps: Learning new skills (like walking or talking) can make sleep more restless.
- Separation Anxiety: Around 12-24 months, toddlers may wake just to check if you’re still there!
Sleep Tip: Instead of stopping night wakings altogether, focus on reducing wake-ups that lead to long disruptions. Helping your toddler connect sleep cycles by practicing independent sleep skills can make a big difference.
Want to know if your toddler’s night wakings are normal or if they need support? DM me “SLEEP” for a free assessment!
Final Thoughts
Understanding toddler sleep is the first step to making changes that feel good for both you and your child. If you’re feeling stuck or exhausted, you don’t have to figure it out alone!
Save this post for later! Sleep struggles aren’t forever, and small changes can lead to big improvements.
