Moms, let’s be real, preschooler sleep struggles are a special kind of torture. You finally get a moment to yourself, start binge-watching your favorite show, and just when you relax, BAM! A tiny human appears at your bedside like a horror movie jump scare. Or maybe your little angel turns bedtime into an hours-long negotiation that would make a lawyer proud. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, mama, I got you.
Here are six common preschooler sleep problems and how to fix them like a parenting pro (without losing your sanity!).
1. “I’m Not Tired!” (a.k.a. The Eternal Energy Bunny)
The Problem:
Your kid has been running in circles all day, yet when bedtime rolls around, they’re suddenly wide awake and bouncing off the walls.
The Solution:
- Start a calming bedtime routine 30–60 minutes before sleep. Think dim lights, quiet activities, and no screens (sorry, Cocomelon, you’re banned!).
- Give them a sense of control. Let them pick their pajamas or the bedtime story, choices empower little humans.
- Try a weighted blanket. Seriously, it’s like a hug that whispers, “Go to sleep, my child.” (Check out the SnuggleBuddy Weighted Blanket, it’s a mom favorite!)
2. “I Need Water, a Hug, and 87 More Things” (a.k.a. The Staller)
The Problem:
Your preschooler turns bedtime into an elaborate to-do list. “I need another story!” “My sock feels weird!” “The stars are too bright!”
The Solution:
- Preempt the excuses. Have a bedtime box with a water bottle, stuffed animal, and an extra blanket, so they can’t keep asking for more!
- Use a bedtime pass system. Give them one “get out of bed” pass per night. It’s like magic, once they know they only get one, they suddenly stop using it!
- Stick to your guns. If they come out, calmly walk them back. No discussions. No extra cuddles (hard, I know!).
3. “I’m Scared!” (a.k.a. The Midnight Monster Hunter)
The Problem:
Your preschooler suddenly develops a very real fear of the dark, shadows, or that stuffed bunny that “moved.”
The Solution:
- Empower them with a ‘Monster Spray.’ Just an empty spray bottle with water and a fun label, tell them it banishes bad dreams!
- Introduce a nightlight. But not too bright, soft, warm light helps more than a full-on floodlight.
- Use a bedtime mantra. Teach them to say, “I’m safe. I’m brave. It’s just my imagination.” Works wonders over time!
4. “But the Sun is Up!” (a.k.a. The Crack-of-Dawn Riser)
The Problem:
Your kid thinks 5 AM is a fantastic time to start the day, while you just want to sleep for five more hours.
The Solution:
- Blackout curtains = lifesaver. If they can’t see the sun, they can’t argue about waking up!
- Invest in an OK-to-Wake Clock. The SleepyTime Tot Clock glows red when it’s still sleepy time and turns green when they can get up. Game-changer!
- Make morning wake-ups boring. No TV, no fun activities. If they wake too early, they have to stay in bed and read quietly. Trust me, they’ll start sleeping in!
5. “I Can’t Fall Asleep!” (a.k.a. The Toss-and-Turner)
The Problem:
Your preschooler is lying in bed for what feels like forever, struggling to fall asleep.
The Solution:
- Teach deep breathing. Have them take slow, deep breaths like they’re blowing up a balloon. (Bonus: It works for moms, too!)
- Try a sound machine. White noise mimics the womb, calming and familiar!
- Use lavender spray. A light mist of lavender on their pillow can work wonders. (Mom Hack: It works for you, too, double win!)
6. “Mooooom!” (a.k.a. The Nighttime Wanderer)
The Problem:
Your little escape artist keeps crawling into your bed at 2 AM, and suddenly you’re clinging to the edge while they sprawl like a starfish.
The Solution:
- Walk them back. Every. Single. Time. No cuddles, no talking, just guide them back to their bed.
- Make their bed cozier than yours. Add a special blanket, glow stars, or a stuffed friend they only get to use at night.
- Try a Sleep Training Clock. (Yep, another plug for the SleepyTime Tot Clock, it’s that good!)
Final Mom-To-Mom Tip:
Sleep struggles won’t last forever (even if it feels like it now). Be consistent, stay calm, and if all else fails, coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Which of these sleep struggles do you deal with the most? Drop a comment below, and let’s mom-brainstorm together!
(P.S. If you’re ready for your preschooler to actually sleep, grab the SnuggleBuddy Weighted Blanket and SleepyTime Tot Clock now, because let’s be honest, mama needs her rest!)