2-year-old not sleeping at night?

Difficulty with nighttime sleep is quite common around age 2. This age brings growing independence, separation anxiety, emerging night fears, and imagination—all of which can interfere with falling asleep or staying asleep.

Often, a major event—a new sibling, toilet training, starting preschool—triggers sleep trouble. A consistent bedtime routine (bath, book, quiet conversation in dim light) is usually the most effective solution. Putting your child in bed awake teaches them to fall asleep on their own. When they wake at night, a brief, calm response works better than lots of comfort, which can reinforce waking.

Bedtime timing matters: if it's very early and daytime nap runs late, nighttime sleep may suffer. 7:30–8:30 PM is often better for 2-year-olds.

These steps usually bring improvement in 2–3 weeks. If not, or if your child snores, sleeps with an open mouth, or shows breathing pauses, ask your pediatrician.