Breaking The Silence... The Connection Between Tantrums And Sleep.

A Good Old Fashion Tantrum-

Outburst, tantrums, fits and meltdowns, no matter the term you use if you are a parent you have at some point seen one of these scenes. The beauty is these may come at any time without any warning over what we as adults perceive over the pettiest and most minor issues. Have no fear to a young toddler or preschooler these magnificent outbursts are a way for them to feel as though they are finally being heard and are completely justifiable in their minds.  

The Reason Behind an Old Fashion Tantrum-

First, we need to uncover how one little being can lose control at a moment’s notice. Beginning around age one babies begin to explore their voices and actions. Tantrums have a wide range from 12 months up to age four and beyond.

• A child is unable to express themselves using their own words to get their wants and demands

• This is their main way to communicate and they are showing their own frustrations

• Lack of sleep or poor sleep habits

• Hunger and over stimulation

• Lack of control

• Many children feel too constricted or too lenient by their parent’s guidelines

• The list can go on and on, but these are some of the typical signs and reasons for the spiraling outburst. I highly suggest checking out Sleepless in America here is a quote that has resonated with me, along my sleeping journey. “While we can not MAKE our children sleep, we can create an environment that values sleep and is conducive to it.”

Poor Sleep Habits and the Connection with Tantrums-

69% of babies, toddlers, adolescents and teens have poor sleep habits. It is vital that children are given the proper tools to peaceful sleeping. (Sleepless in America) Take a moment to reflect on how you feel as an adult when you have had little to no sleep or you are not receiving the adequate amount of sleep. I know I feel cranky, lethargic, zero energy, lack of being able to focus and more short tempered, to name a few.  Imagine a young baby or child who is still learning to express themselves going through these same issues. It is easy to see why they continue to have these outbursts at home, daycare, school, the grocery stores and beyond.

Breaking Down the Links-

I could not tell you the amount of times I have heard a parent say my baby or child simply does not sleep and they have endless amounts of energy. Let’s dive deeper into this statement, do any of the following ring a bell? Is your child clumsy, frenzied, wild at bedtime, has to be awakened in the morning, craves sugar and carbohydrates, seems unable to follow directions and simple rules? These are just a few of the indicators that your child has poor sleeping habits or is sleep deprived. A child that does not have consistent sleep patterns will become what we call “wired” or hyper on a consistent basis. This is a resounding statement by Dr. Karine Spiegel and Dr. Eve Ban Cauter “Accumulated sleep debt is potentially as detrimental to health as poor nutrition or a sedentary lifestyle.”  If any of these points hit home with you as a parent, it is time to narrow in on your child’s sleeping patterns and behaviors.

Don't miss out next week as I will break down the type of tantrums and how can we as parents approach and minimize tantrums. Enjoy your week and see you next time, be sure to share my website and blog with your friends and families. Feel free to email me at kelley@serenitysleepers.com with any questions or comments, I am happy to hear from you all.