It’s well-documented that toddlers and preschoolers often experience a resurgence of sleep difficulties, even if they were previously good sleepers. Research indicates that as children enter this developmental stage, they begin to test boundaries more frequently, which can manifest in bedtime battles and overnight wakes.
According to a study published in the journal “Sleep Medicine Reviews”, toddlers commonly exhibit behaviours such as delaying bedtime, seeking more attention and waking up during the night as they assert their growing independence and cope with developmental changes (Mindell et al., 2006).
This boundary-testing is a normal part of their development, driven by their increasing cognitive abilities, separation anxiety, and a desire for autonomy. Understanding these behaviors and the underlying reasons can help parents navigate this challenging phase more effectively
