Episode 13: Toddler Night Wakings, Early Rising, and Nap Refusal: Your Pediatric Sleep Questions Answered
This episode of The Sleep Edit is all about you—our listeners. We’re tackling the most common (and frustrating) pediatric sleep challenges straight from your inbox:
- What to do when your toddler suddenly won’t nap
- How to handle a preschooler who wakes five times a night
- When to push bedtime later—and when not to
- Strategies for night weaning, managing anxiety, and fixing early morning wake-ups
- Plus: Why our parents swear we were “better sleepers” back in the ’80s and ’90s
Whether you’re a parent in the trenches or a sleep consultant supporting families, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world context.
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Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome & Disclaimer
01:55 — How Long Should a One-Nap Schedule Last?
A parent asks how long to let a toddler nap after transitioning to one nap—without disrupting night sleep.
04:24 — Does Your Toddler Need a Later Bedtime?
Signs that bedtime might be too early and what research says about optimal timing.
07:15 — Arielle’s Take on 24-Hour Sleep
A fellow consultant asks Arielle how she explains this foundational concept.
10:32 — What Is 24-Hour Sleep Anyway?
A parent wants to understand how to think about total daily sleep needs.
12:59 — Easiest Way to Night Wean a Toddler
Strategies for toddlers waking twice a night for milk.
16:05 — Why Were 80s Babies “Better Sleepers”?
Craig answers a fun cultural question: Have parenting expectations changed—or is it selective memory?
21:18 — 4-Year-Old Suddenly Waking All Night (Tried Everything)
Becky shares a sleep regression story after months of solid sleep and multiple failed interventions.
26:45 — 2-Year-Old Needs Touch to Fall Asleep, Progressive Breaks Failing
Charlotte asks whether this method is right for her daughter after meltdowns.
32:17 — 7-Year-Old with Bedtime Anxiety & Nightmares
A parent shares a common dilemma: supporting an anxious child without becoming a permanent bedtime fixture.
39:12 — 5-Year-Old Calls Out But Stays in Bed
Carys from the UK wonders how to manage frequent call-outs from a child who does fall asleep independently.
44:06 — Toddler Wakes at 5 a.m.—Can We Shift Later?
Anjo asks how to extend a solid 7–5 schedule without creating new problems.
46:50 — Sibling Sleep Chaos: Two Kids, Two Problems
Pat shares a double trouble scenario: one kid waking for milk, another up too early and waking the house.
51:03 — Nap Refusal at Home, But Not Daycare
Morgan asks how to handle nap refusal at home after major life changes (new baby, new daycare).
55:10 — Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
Links
Arielle’s new website : Expect to Sleep Again
Arielle on Instagram: @expecttosleepagain
Research links:
Metanalysis showing that earlier bedtimes led to more sleep
Small study of infants showing sleep extension with earlier bedtimes
Dr. Canapari’s articles:
Do Wake Windows Help Babies and Kids Nap Better?
Huggy puppy intervention for night time fears
Early morning awakenings: What to do about them
Bedtime pass for middle of the night awakening
Originally published April 2025. Last reviewed/updated by Dr. Craig Canapari, MD in April 2025
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