What to Do If Your Toddler’s Not Sleeping

If your toddler won’t sleep or refuses to go to bed, you’re not alone. Many parents deal with a toddler not sleeping or fighting sleep—and it can be exhausting. Fortunately, most sleep struggles are temporary and manageable with the right approach.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in this guide:

• Why your toddler won’t sleep. Common causes include separation anxiety, overtiredness, fears of missing out, developmental milestones, or too much screen time.

• How to get a toddler to sleep. Consistent bedtime routines, a calming environment, and limiting stimulation before bed can help.

• What to do if your toddler is not sleeping through the night. Comfort them without creating habits that are hard to break.

• When to seek help. Learn when persistent sleep issues may need a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Let’s dive into what’s going on—and how you can help your little one (and yourself) get some much-needed rest.

Is It Common for a Toddler to Refuse to Sleep?

If your toddler won’t sleep, keep in mind that it’s quite common for a toddler to refuse to sleep at some point. Many parents find themselves in a nightly routine of dealing with a toddler not sleeping, especially during transitions like dropping a nap or moving to a toddler bed.

Sometimes it’s a phase where your toddler will not go to sleep at bedtime, other times it’s the challenge of a toddler not sleeping through the night, waking frequently, or climbing into your bed. And of course, there are those evenings when it feels like your toddler is fighting sleep with all their might.

The good news? These behaviors are typically temporary and often linked to developmental changes, separation anxiety, or adjustments in routine.

Potential Reasons for Toddler Sleep Issues

You may be wondering, “Why is my toddler not sleeping?” Or “Why won’t my toddler go to sleep even when they seem tired?” There are several common reasons, including:

• Separation anxiety. Around ages 1 to 3 years, children may become more aware of being apart from you, which can make bedtime tough. Separation anxiety might first surface around 6 months of age when your baby starts to develop object permanence. However, it commonly peaks during the toddler period.

• Developmental milestones. Learning to walk, talk, or potty train can lead to sleep disruptions. Growth spurts and exciting new skills sometimes make it harder for toddlers to wind down.

• Changes in routine. Travel, illness, moving house, or starting daycare may throw off your toddler’s rhythm.

• Overtiredness. Yes, being too tired can actually make it harder for a toddler to fall asleep.

• Fear of the dark or nightmares. Around age 2, imagination blossoms—and so can nighttime fears, nightmares, or night terrors. If your little one experiences a nightmare, reassure them, listen to their fears, offer comfort, and explain that nightmares aren’t real, before helping them go back to sleep in their bed.

• Too much screen time. Experts recommend avoiding screens at least an hour before bedtime, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production.

• Late or long naps. A nap too close to bedtime or naps that go on too long can affect nighttime sleep. Take a look at our guide on nap schedules for more information.

If you’re wondering why your toddler is so restless at night or why they fight sleep, it could be a combination of these factors. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward better sleep for everyone.

Looking for extra comfort at night? Pampers Swaddlers Overnights are the #1 brand for sleep and have 50% more absorbent zones (vs leading value brand) to help keep your toddler’s skin dry all night long. Their superior softness and absorbency keep your child dry and cozy, reducing wake-ups due to discomfort or leaks. This makes them a trusted choice for parents who want uninterrupted rest—for their toddlers and themselves. 

How to Help Get Your Toddler to Sleep

Now let’s get practical: how to get a toddler to sleep (and stay asleep).

Here are some expert-backed strategies that can help:

1. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine. A soothing, predictable routine helps signal to your toddler that it’s time to wind down. Think: bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, a story, and cuddles. Keep it calm and consistent.

2. Set a regular bedtime. Toddlers thrive on routine. Aim to put them to bed at the same time each night, ideally between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., when their bodies are naturally ready to sleep. If your toddler often wakes up too early in the morning, you might want to consider using a wake-up light or clock that can be set to a specific time. You can explain to your child that it’s time to get out of bed when the light turns on, signaling that it’s time to “rise and shine!”

3. Create a sleep-friendly environment. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. A nightlight, white noise machine, or a favorite comfort item can help your toddler feel safe and relaxed.

4. Limit stimulants before bed. Avoid sugary snacks, rough play, and screen time in the hour before bedtime. Opt for quiet activities like reading or coloring instead.

5. Respond calmly to night wakings. If your toddler wakes up, keep interactions brief and soothing. Avoid turning on lights or engaging in too much conversation.

If you’re asking how to get a toddler to sleep through the night, consistency is key. Offer comfort but avoid creating habits (like allowing them to come into your bed) that might be hard to break later.

Looking for extra support? Try the Pampers Smart Sleep Coach—an easy-to-use app designed by pediatric sleep experts. Start with the free quiz to get personalized guidance for your toddler’s sleep journey.

For more tips on helping your toddler sleep, check out our toddler sleep training methods.

Your Toddler Bedtime Routine Chart

Here’s a general idea for creating a bedtime routine for your toddler to help them sleep better:

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While many toddler sleep issues are part of normal development, there are times when it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider:

• They have recurring nightmares

• You’ve tried consistent routines and nothing seems to help

• You suspect your toddler has anxiety, sensory issues, or other developmental concerns

• Your toddler snores loudly or has pauses in breathing while sleeping (possible signs of sleep apnea)

• You’re feeling overwhelmed or sleep-deprived yourself.

Sleep is essential for your child’s health and development—and for your well-being too.

The Bottom Line

If your toddler won’t sleep, it can be frustrating—but it’s also completely normal. Whether your toddler refuses to sleep, wakes up often, or just won’t go to sleep at bedtime, understanding the reasons behind their restlessness is the first step toward better nights. With a calming routine, a sleep-friendly environment, and a little patience, you can guide your toddler toward more restful sleep. And if sleep struggles persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support. You’ve got this!

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}