The Sleep Edit

Episode 13: Toddler Night Wakings, Early Rising, and Nap Refusal: Your Pediatric Sleep Questions Answered


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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.

    ⏱️ 
    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?

    How to Stop Night Feedings

    Huggy puppy intervention for night time fears

    Early morning awakenings: What to do about them

    Bedtime pass for middle of the night awakening

    Accommodations and anxiety

    Progressive breaks sleep training method

    Camping out method sleep training

    ...more
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    The Sleep EditBy Craig Canapari, MD and Arielle Greenleaf

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