Fear of the dark

Do you have a little one that is over two years of age, has suddenly started to wake overnight and be really difficult to resettle back to sleep?

They may be exhibiting some fears of the dark! These are completely developmentally normal and something that they do grow out of with time.

WHEN DO THEY START?

Although the research here varies, many medical professionals state that fears of the dark can emerge from around two years of age. This also coincides to your child's development and imagination running wild. 

They may find it difficult to decipher between reality and fantasy and this is when we start to see the first signs emerging. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S A FEAR OF THE DARK?

There are several tell-tale signs that your little one is struggling with a fear of the dark:

• They may be old enough to verbalise it to you
• They may be very difficult to resettle in their room but calm as soon as you take them into a more brightly lit space
• They may ask for a light or the door open
• Scared to go into darker spaces (such as reptile houses at the zoo)

WHAT CAUSES THEM?

There are several triggers than can contribute to the fear of the dark emerging:

• Being overtired
• Being under tired
• Exposure to certain books or TV shows

Something completely meaningless to us can cause fear in our little people, when / if you start to see these fears emerging pay close attention to what your little one is scared of specifically. 

It is monsters, dragons or even police men? Where were they exposed to this?

When you find the trigger to these fears is when you can start working on reducing and eliminating what triggers them.

For example, if you find that your little one has more disrupted nights after watching certain episodes of their favourite show you may consider an alternative option.

HOW DO I HELP MY TODDLER?

How we respond to these fears can either subdue them or exacerbate them. Some considerations:

• Review your little ones routine. Are they going to bed under tired therefore lying there with their imagination running free or passing out from exhaustion?
• Reduce screen time, and completely remove it at least one hour before any sleep
• Consider introducing something like a red light. The best kind of light would be red, research shows us that this does not impact melatonin production (melatonin is our sleepy hormone)
• Your response. Ensure that you comfort, support and reassure your little one when they show signs.
• Spend time in the dark and make it fun, this can build their confidence. 
• Offer something comforting such as a bear or blanket

STILL STRUGGLING?

Are you still struggling with how to deal with a fear of the dark? Our 30min Chat is a good option to consider. 

Take the time to discuss with our experienced consultants what tweaks you can make to help your little one.

• Is your baby over 24 months and you need several things worked on, our Phone + Two Week Support Option may be a great choice!
• Are you wanting some guidance but happy to implement without as much support, check out our Email + Two Week Support
• Check out our Toddler Sleep Guide for more information on how to navigate sleep with all of the new cognitive developments

Until next time,

The Sleepy Little Bubs Team x