Preschoolers need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep, including naptime, a day. Most preschooler still need naps but it is not unusual for a preschooler to resist naps or no longer take them. If you have trouble with naptime you can establish a “quiet time” instead. This will allow your child time to rest which may be enough to fend off the grumpy times of day. At night a preschooler may resist bedtime because she does not want to miss anything or stop playing. Implementing a bedtime routine and sticking to it will calm bedtime troubles.
The first thing you must establish is a bedtime. About an hour or a half hour before bed let your child know bedtime in coming. A child needs a time to transition from wake time to sleep time. When a child knows bedtime is coming she will be less likely to fight it. Limit food and drinks before bedtime. You will also want to limit TV since it will overstimulate your child. While it may be true children fall asleep watching TV it may not encourage restful sleep and it could develop a dependence. You want your child to associate calming activities with bedtime. A bedtime bath, story and choosing favorite pair of pajamas and toy are quiet calming things to associate with bedtime. Make your child’s bedroom calming by turning off the bright light and turn on a nightlight or lamp with a low watt bulb to set the tone. Play soothing music quietly if you find that helps your child relax. Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold as temperature may make it hard for your preschooler to sleep. You preschooler may not verbalize that temperature is the reason. She may only know she cannot sleep or is uncomfortable.
Bedtime does not have to be a struggle. It may be unpleasant for your child but a struggle take two. Simply stay consistent and let your preschooler know that bedtime is just that and no amount of whining, crying or manipulation will change that. If you suspect your child is having serious sleeping problems or fears please see your doctor.