It's common for parents to feel puzzled and exhausted when their 5-year-old wakes up at 2 a.m. every night. Rest assured, you're not alone in this situation.
There are various reasons why this might be happening, but understanding them can help you find solutions for a peaceful night's sleep for both you and your child.
Is it normal for a 5-year-old to wake up every night?
Night-waking toddlers are a normal part of sleep for children, and it's not uncommon for toddlers to wake up during the night. However, if these wakings are causing problems or distress, it's essential to identify the reasons and find ways to address them.
Common reasons why a 5-year-old might wake up at 2 AM
We will help you find the reasons why your child wakes up. There are several reasons why your child may wake up in the middle of the night. Here are some of the most common ones:
To improve your performance on this path, you must know how many hours should a kid sleep
- Nightmares/Night terrors: It is normal to have nightmares or some fears that we have as humans. These nightmares can cause your child to wake up frightened and disoriented. Remember to give them love and security
“Night terrors affect nearly 40% of children between 4 and 12–years-old, with 5-7 being the peak age range.”
💡 Weill Cornell Medicine
- Fear of the dark: Many children develop a fear of the dark, which can disrupt their sleep.
- Physical discomfort: Teething discomfort, a stuffy nose, or even a full bladder can wake your child up. With the StoryBook App, you can offer him a loving massage or a story to help him relax.
- Changes in routine/Environment: Any changes in your child's routine or environment can disrupt their sleep. This could be a new sibling, moving to a new house, or even starting school.
- Attention seeking: Sometimes, children wake up because they want attention or reassurance from their parents.
How do I get my 5-year-old to stop waking at night?
Let's look at some viable solutions to this complication:
Establish a consistent bedtime routine
A consistent bedtime routine can signal your child that it's time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
This routine could include reading a book, sleep training methods, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music.
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Create a sleep-friendly environment
Ensure your child's room is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. You might also consider using a white noise machine to block out any disruptive noises.
Encourage healthy sleep habits
Encourage your child to develop healthy sleep habits. The toddlers sleep habits are essential, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and avoiding stimulating activities close to bedtime.
Teach self-soothing techniques
Teaching your child to self-soothe can help them fall back asleep on their own if they wake up at night.
Develop a consistent response to night waking
your child up at night; try to respond consistently and calmly. This can reassure your child and help them get back to sleep more easily.
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Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
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