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Early years

02nd Feb 2024

Scientists explain why your toddler always wakes you up and it’s quite adorable

Kat O'Connor

There’s a reason why your toddler is disrupting your sleep

Remember the days before you had a toddler and we used to get a full night’s sleep? We miss that.

Having children completely flips your world around, but it’s worth all the sleepless nights.

If you’ve noticed that your toddler has gotten into a habit of waking you up during the night then there’s actually a scientific reason for it.

Having your sleep disrupted may bug you, but our toddlers are hardwired to find you if you’re not near them.

Adorable, right?

It may be annoying but finding out that they just want to be in your company is pretty touching right?

According to child psychologist, Esther Cohen, a strong bond is formed when you respond to your child’s needs. This natural attachment is something they don’t get when you’re both asleep which is why they wake you up

Your little one is dependent on you, but they can feel anxious when you’re separated, just like when you’re asleep.

The easiest way for them to feel better if they’re upset is to find you and wake you up, hence all the sleepless nights.

It’s a completely normal thing for toddlers to do but it is only a temporary stage in your child’s life.

They’ll slowly but surely grow out of it and will eventually sleep through the night as they get older.


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