Toddler and Child Sleep

2 to 12 years old

Is your child:

• Taking a long time to get to sleep or refusing to go to bed?
• Needing your help to get them to sleep?
• Sleeping in your bed?
• Waking frequently in the night?
• Waking too early in the morning?
• Having nighttime fears and worries?
• Having nightmares?
• Bedwetting?
• Tired and grumpy and struggling at school?
• Causing you to not get enough sleep?!

Sleep problems can persist from infancy through to childhood, while others can develop sleep problems during the school years. There are many different types of sleeping problems in this age range, and for some the patterns are strikingly similar to adults with insomnia.

We offer separate treatment programs for younger (2-6yrs) and older children (7-12yrs). For younger children, we offer a range of techniques to help parents employ a settling bedtime routine, manage sleeping difficulties that arise and allow children to sleep more soundly. For older children, we include cognitive therapy techniques, particularly for those with night time worries or unhelpful beliefs, that are counterproductive to getting a good night’s sleep. Each program aims to help children to learn to sleep better,
by themselves, in their own bed. Hopefully, this means that you as parents should get a better night’s sleep too!

We are also very experienced in helping children with issues such as anxiety, anger, and behavioural problems, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, which often go hand in hand with sleeping problems in this age range.

Other types of sleep disorders:

Apart from the sleep problems listed above, children can also experience types of sleep disorders that require medical interventions. These disorders include sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and restless legs. We recommend contacting the Women’s & Children’s Hospital for children with these disorders (ph: 8161 6037).