The Sleep Edit

Tips for Infants, Toddlers, and Teens In this episode of the Sleep Edit podcast, hosts Dr. Craig Canapari and Arielle Greenleaf provide evidence-based tips and strategies to help parents manage their children's sleep during the summer and back-to-school transitions. They discuss common issues such as later bedtimes, disrupted routines, increased screen time, and the impact of travel on sleep patterns. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:09 Meet the Hosts 01:24 Summer Sleep Challenges 03:55 Pandemic Sleep Patterns 05:08 Structured Days Hypothesis 07:57 Managing Heat and Sleep 09:58 Travel and Sleep Tips for Infants and Toddlers 16:06 Vacation Sleep Realities 19:47 School-Age Sleep Strategies 20:50 Replicating Schedules for Special Needs Children 21:47 Bedtime Recommendations for Different Age Groups 23:07 Managing Screen Time During Summer 24:01 The Benefits of Summer Camps and Jobs 24:49 Camping as a Sleep Reset Tool 26:41 Traveling to Adjust Sleep Schedules 27:25 General Summer Sleep Tips for Parents 32:23 Adjusting Teen Sleep Schedules Before School Starts 37:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Links The Structured Days hypothesis Study of 9-15 year olds showed that later shift was associated with poorer dietary cohoices Resources (slides and references) from Dr. Canapari’s talk on Covid-19 and sleep The Forbidden Zone and what it means for putting your kid down Vacation “sleep”: How to get shuteye when on the move Dr. Canapari’s article on summer sleep and back to school Camping as a way to reset sleep schedules

This episode of The Sleep Edit is all about you—our listeners. We’re tackling the most common (and frustrating) pediatric sleep challenges straight from your inbox: What to do when your toddler suddenly won’t nap How to handle a preschooler who wakes five times a night When to push bedtime later—and when not to Strategies for night weaning, managing anxiety, and fixing early morning wake-ups Plus: Why our parents swear we were “better sleepers” back in the ’80s and ’90s Whether you’re a parent in the trenches or a sleep consultant supporting families, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world context. ⏱️  Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Disclaimer 01:55 — How Long Should a One-Nap Schedule Last? A parent asks how long to let a toddler nap after transitioning to one nap—without disrupting night sleep. 04:24 — Does Your Toddler Need a Later Bedtime? Signs that bedtime might be too early and what research says about optimal timing. 07:15 — Arielle’s Take on 24-Hour Sleep A fellow consultant asks Arielle how she explains this foundational concept. 10:32 — What Is 24-Hour Sleep Anyway? A parent wants to understand how to think about total daily sleep needs. 12:59 — Easiest Way to Night Wean a Toddler Strategies for toddlers waking twice a night for milk. 16:05 — Why Were 80s Babies “Better Sleepers”? Craig answers a fun cultural question: Have parenting expectations changed—or is it selective memory? 21:18 — 4-Year-Old Suddenly Waking All Night (Tried Everything) Becky shares a sleep regression story after months of solid sleep and multiple failed interventions. 26:45 — 2-Year-Old Needs Touch to Fall Asleep, Progressive Breaks Failing Charlotte asks whether this method is right for her daughter after meltdowns. 32:17 — 7-Year-Old with Bedtime Anxiety & Nightmares A parent shares a common dilemma: supporting an anxious child without becoming a permanent bedtime fixture. 39:12 — 5-Year-Old Calls Out But Stays in Bed Carys from the UK wonders how to manage frequent call-outs from a child who does fall asleep independently. 44:06 — Toddler Wakes at 5 a.m.—Can We Shift Later? Anjo asks how to extend a solid 7–5 schedule without creating new problems. 46:50 — Sibling Sleep Chaos: Two Kids, Two Problems Pat shares a double trouble scenario: one kid waking for milk, another up too early and waking the house. 51:03 — Nap Refusal at Home, But Not Daycare Morgan asks how to handle nap refusal at home after major life changes (new baby, new daycare). 55:10 — Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Links Arielle’s new website : Expect to Sleep Again Arielle on Instagram: @expecttosleepagain Research links: Metanalysis showing that earlier bedtimes led to more sleep  Small study of infants showing sleep extension with earlier bedtimes Dr. Canapari’s articles: Do Wake Windows Help Babies and Kids Nap Better? How to Stop Night Feedings Huggy puppy intervention for night time fears Early morning awakenings: What to do about them Bedtime pass for middle of the night awakening Accommodations and anxiety Progressive breaks sleep training method Camping out method sleep training

In this episode of 'The Sleep Edit', we dig into the topic of sleep supplements for children, specifically focusing on melatonin and magnesium. Melatonin and magnesium (and "calm" and "sleep" gummies in general) have become very popular among tired parents, but what is the actual evidence for these supplements? Are they safe? What do parents need to know? Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:09 Welcome Back to the Sleep Edit 01:21 Melatonin and Magnesium: The Two Big Ms 04:24 Understanding Melatonin 06:14 Melatonin's Effects and Usage 09:45 Melatonin for Children: Considerations and Concerns 21:16 Dosing and Safety of Melatonin 28:15 Melatonin Concerns and Parental Thoughts 29:37 Safety and Alternatives to Melatonin 31:28 Introduction to Magnesium for Sleep 34:49 Magnesium's Role and Benefits 36:39 Challenges in Diagnosing Magnesium Deficiency 38:49 Magnesium Supplementation Studies 39:54 Magnesium for Children: Evidence and Recommendations 47:25 Magnesium Lotions and Creams: Fact or Fiction? 53:33 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice 55:44 Conclusion and Additional Resources Links 📺 Related Videos: 🔹 10 Things Parents Should Know About Melatonin 🔹 Melatonin: The Effect of Timing 🔹Youtube link if you want to see the graphics 📝 Related Articles by Dr. Canapari: 🔹 Melatonin for Children: A Guide for Parents 🔹 Melatonin Overdoses Are on the Rise: What Parents Should Know 🔹 Magnesium for Kids’ Sleep: Does It Really Work? 🔹The evidence against magnesium sprays and lotions 📖 Scientific Studies & Resources: 🔹 Pickering et al. (2020) – Magnesium Status and Stress: The Vicious Circle Concept Revisited → https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123672 🔹 Workinger et al. (2018) – Challenges in the Diagnosis of Magnesium Status → https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091202 🔹 NIH Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

Holidays can be a time of joy, family, and fun—but they can also throw a wrench into your child’s sleep routine. Whether it’s late-night celebrations, travel to visit relatives, or adjusting to time zone changes, holiday sleep disruptions are a challenge for many parents. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this episode of The Sleep Edit, Arielle Greenleaf and Dr. Craig Canapari discuss practical strategies for navigating holiday sleep challenges for children of all ages. From tips for maintaining flexibility while traveling, to handling sugar-fueled energy spikes and keeping routines intact, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help your family enjoy the season while staying (relatively) well-rested. They’ll even share some pro tips, like the ultimate New Year’s Eve bedtime trick you won’t want to miss. Remember: holiday sleep doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work for you and your family. So, give yourself some grace, enjoy the cookies, and focus on the quality of your time together. Links Dr. Canapari's guide to Vacation "Sleep" Studies on sugar consumption and sleep Study of 287 children ages 8-12 showing no association between sugar and sleep or behavioral change Study of 2600 children aged 6-12 showing that more sugar consumption was associated with decreased sleep duration Metanalysis of studies of young children 0-5 showing worse diet and higher sugar intake were associated with lower sleep quality Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:13 Navigating Holiday Sleep Challenges 03:18 Travel Tips for Parents 06:04 Managing Sleep in Different Environments 13:30 Handling Naps and Bedtime During Holidays 22:19 Dealing with Food and Sugar 28:50 Final Tips and Holiday Wishes 30:53 Conclusion and Resources Connect with Us! Send us an email about questions, feedback, or ideas for future topics.

In this mailbag episode, Dr. Canapari and Arielle respond to listener questions covering infant sleep, early waking, transitioning from co-sleeping, travel disruptions, nighttime fears, sleep disorders, and more. From “first daylight savings” tips to strategies for toddlers with anxiety, each answer offers practical insights for a wide range of pediatric sleep challenges. Links Daylight savings time: Avoiding problems when Falling Back Early morning awakenings: What to do about them How to stop night feedings How to stop cosleeping Chapters: [00:01:09] Intro [00:01:14] Infant Sleep Patterns and Challenges • [00:01:33] Lauren: When do babies start dreaming? • [00:03:00] Susan: Tips for differentiating between waking to feed and needing sleep in a 5-month-old? • [00:06:26] Andrea: How to sleep train at night when daycare sleep is limited? • [00:08:07] Chelsea: Avoiding early wakings for a sleep-trained 6.5-month-old. • [00:10:25] Kaitlin: Daylight savings time tips for a 7-month-old. • [00:14:37] Kayleigh: Breaking the cycle of middle-of-the-night babbling and crying in a 9-month-old. • [00:18:07] Francia: How to sleep train an 8-month-old. [00:19:30] Early Morning Waking and Sleep Regressions • [00:19:30] Brittany: How to handle nighttime wakings to maintain sleep progress. • [00:21:34] Chelsea: Troubleshooting early morning wakings for a sleep-trained 6.5-month-old. • [00:22:02] Hunter: Strategies for a 6- and 4-year-old who wake very early. • [00:23:00] Pauline: Addressing early waking for kids with ASD who take melatonin. [00:28:00] Co-Sleeping and Sleep Transitions • [00:28:00] Holly: Transitioning a 2-year-old from co-sleeping to independent sleeping. • [00:31:57] Ashley: Transitioning from co-sleeping with a 3-year-old for better parent comfort. • [00:34:34] Katy: Encouraging a 3-year-old to stay in her own bed at night. • [00:35:00] Kimberly: Addressing frequent night wakings and crying in a 3-year-old. • [00:40:00] Holly: How to get a 3-year-old to stop using a parent as part of their sleep routine. [00:42:20] Travel and Disruptions in Routine • [00:42:20] Abby: Helping a 10-month-old sleep better while traveling. [00:44:10] Nighttime Anxiety and Sleep Fears • [00:44:10] Andrea: Supporting a 4-year-old who is afraid to sleep alone. • [00:45:39] Stephanie: Determining when it’s necessary to help a 2-year-old fall back asleep. • [00:46:59] Lesley: Strategies for helping a 7-year-old grandchild stay asleep until morning. • [00:48:39] Dr. Ula: Assisting a 19-month-old who needs comfort to sleep through the night. [00:51:00] Sleep Disorders and Medical Concerns • [00:51:00] Sarah: Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder lead to complex sleep actions like opening doors? • [00:52:53] Wenjing: Tips for transitioning a 7-month-old with reflux to crib sleep. [00:55:00] Sleep Training Questions • [00:55:00] Amelia, Juan, and Baby Tonio: Ending bedtime crying after sleep training.

In this episode of the Sleep Edit podcast, we welcome Dr. Shelby Harris, a leading expert in behavioral sleep medicine. Often, parents are struggling even after their kid's sleep problems are addressed. We talk about the common sleep challenges faced by parents focusing on the impact of stress, hormonal changes, and modern technology on sleep quality. Dr. Harris provides insights into the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and its effectiveness over medication for long-term improvement. The conversation also explores the practicalities of sleep hygiene, sleep restriction, and the influence of consumer sleep tracking technologies. Links: Dr. Harris’ website Dr. Harris' on Instagram The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night's Sleep Without Relying on Medication (affilate link) Room sharing recommendation in 2024 Directory of providers at the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine University of Pennsylvania CBT-i Provider Directory Orthosomnia

In this episode of the Sleep Edit, Craig and Arielle are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sujay Kansagra of Duke University to discuss the weird and wonderful world of parasomnias, restless leg syndrome, and restless sleep disorder in children. Parasomnias include NREM parasomnias (sleep walking, hypnic jerks, night terrors) and REM parasomnias (sleep paralysis and nightmares). 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:09 Parenting Anecdotes and Guest Introduction 02:22 Journey into Medical Social Media 05:21 The Importance of Engaging Content 10:50 Understanding Parasomnias 15:25 Non-REM vs REM Parasomnias 24:26 Night Terrors and Sleepwalking 28:17 Fever Dreams and Sleep Disruptions 28:58 Genetic Predispositions and Sleep Studies 29:21 Scheduled Awakenings and Melatonin 30:23 Nightmares vs. Night Terrors 31:39 Sleepwalking Safety Tips 37:43 Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome 48:58 Restless Sleep Disorder 53:38 Final Thoughts and Parenting Advice Dr. Sujay Kansagra at Duke Health Sujay’s Instagram profile  Sujay's time zone video “I am the research” His excellent sleep book The rest of his links Night terrors, sleep walking, and sleep talking in children by Dr. Canapari Restless leg syndrome in children by Dr. Canapari

Today, Craig and Arielle unpack the often mystifying world of newborn sleep—those crucial first three months. The inspiration for this episode was Craig's new niece, who was 2 weeks old at the time of recording. Whether you're navigating the unpredictable waters of infant sleep or just curious about what's normal, this episode promises to arm you with the insights you need to feel a bit more in control—or at least to understand that sometimes, chaos is just part of the parenting package. [00:00:00] Introduction and disclaimer [00:01:09] Welcoming listeners back and introducing the episode's focus on newborn sleep [00:02:12] Discussion on the erratic nature of newborn sleep [00:03:22] Personal story about sleep expectations with a newborn [00:08:21] Explanation of active sleep in newborns and advice for parents [00:10:41] Impact of external factors like maternity and paternity leave on sleep [00:14:26] Transition to detailed discussion on sleep cues and signs of tiredness in newborns [00:21:08] Exploring the science of sleep cycles and the development of circadian rhythms [00:26:35] Discussion on the "witching hour" and strategies to cope with it [00:32:23] Month-by-month sleep development and expectations [00:37:38] Review of sleep tools and technologies affecting newborn sleep [00:42:35] Closing remarks and where to find more resources Notable Quotes: Craig Canapari MD: "Things will get better with time, even if you're really struggling. It's funny, my older son was one of those babies that we took him home from the hospital. My wife had a c-section the first night. And he slept six hours overnight." Arielle Greenleaf: "I think one of the biggest things I wish I had known back in the day was I didn't know really about active sleep. And so I think when she was coming, she's going through that, what did you call it?" Arielle Greenleaf: "I always tell newborn parents, don't rush. They will tell you if they need you. They will, they have lungs and they can scream." Craig Canapari MD: "A newborn, that could be anywhere from 13 to 14 hours per or 20 hours within a 24 hour period. So if you have a baby who's natural sleep needs at that point is 20 hours a day, you are gonna feel like a parenting genius." Links and Resources: Sleep and Wakefulness by Nathaniel Kleitman Why room sharing is important for safe sleep AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines Period of purple crying How many wet diapers per day Happiest Baby on the Block Bringing up Bebe- and Le Pause Wirecutter article on the SNOO Connect with Us! Send us an email about questions, feedback, or ideas for future topics.

In our first mailbag episode, Arielle and I take a deep dive into your most pressing sleep-related questions, from the perfect setup for your toddler's room to managing sleep challenges in children with autism. We took YOUR questions from email and Instagram. Timestamps: [00:02:00] "What should the light setup be in a toddler's room?" [00:03:23] "Can you immediately stop using a pacifier when sleep training?" [00:05:39] "How to introduce room sharing?" [00:08:31] "Tips for jet lag when flying overseas with kids?" [00:11:30] "How much movement during sleep is typical in an elementary schooler?" [00:15:05] "Is it okay to use melatonin for sleep issues in kids?" [00:22:44] "How to manage bedtime for children with autism?" [00:28:47] "Dealing with night nursing and weaning issues." [00:36:00] "How do we break the cycle of bottle feeding and rocking to sleep for a 2-year-old?" [00:39:00] "Will removing a nighttime sleep crutch result in split nights?" [00:51:27] "Should weekend naps match daycare schedule for a 6-month-old?" [00:53:10] "Recommendations for a 3-year-old inconsistent in taking naps." [00:55:00] "How to handle a baby's strong preference for one parent at bedtime." [00:57:16] "Helping a 6-year-old with congenital heart disease to sleep better." Notable Quotes from the Episode: "It should be dark enough in your kid's room that you can't read a book by the light." - Dr. Craig Canapari "The sooner you can eliminate the pacifier, the better." - Arielle Greenleaf "Kids adjust more quickly to new time zones than adults do." - Dr. Craig Canapari "Melatonin is not a magic bullet. It's part of a broader strategy." - Dr. Craig Canapari "Natural light is very helpful for adjusting to new time zones." - Arielle Greenleaf "Being a little bit careful with screens before bedtime can help with jet lag." - Dr. Craig Canapari "Restless leg syndrome in kids is typically associated with both sensory and sleep issues." - Dr. Craig Canapari "Swap your child's fear of not having the pacifier with germophobia and you're all set." - Dr. Craig Canapari, humorously suggesting a strategy for weaning off pacifiers. Links Sleep edit episode with Dr. Garay Room sharing links: Dr Canapari article in the NYT ; Dr Canapari article on his website Melatonin for Children: A Guide for Parents Melatonin overdoses are on the rise: why parents should worry Solving Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Frazzled Families How to stop night feeds AAP Safe Sleep Guideline 2022 Want to stop cosleeping? Here’s how List of sleep training methods Early morning awakenings: what to do about them Got sleep questions? Drop us a line for a future episode

In this episode, Dr. Canapari and Arielle welcome their first guest, pediatric psychologist Dr. Danielle Garay from the Yale Pediatric Sleep Program to discuss the role of psychology in treating children's sleep difficulties, focusing on anxiety, nighttime fears, tantrums, and separation anxiety.  Important Sections: [00:03:09] The role of a psychologist in the care of children with sleep difficulties [00:07:47] Discussion on temperament and its relevance to sleep difficulties [00:10:12] Advice for dealing with nighttime fears in children [00:17:56] Managing nighttime tantrums in toddlers and preschoolers [00:39:49] Explanation of separation anxiety and its manifestation at night [00:44:58] Understanding accommodations and their role in managing anxiety [00:52:55] Using reward structures and incentives for behavior change in children Highlighted Quotes: "It is such a powerful intervention to be able to help people with their sleep." - Dr. Danielle Garay "Tantrum has such a negative connotation, and it's not like a child is choosing to have a tantrum, and I feel like sometimes parents see it as the child choosing to have that tantrum and cause chaos at bedtime. And it's really just not the case." - Arielle Greenleaf "True boundaries should require the other person to do nothing. It's you setting the boundary for yourself." - Dr. Danielle Garay "Small changes in parental behavior can lead to significant improvements in a child's sleep." – Dr. Craig Canapari Links How to stop cosleeping including an evidence based plan for children with separation anxiety Huggy puppy treatment for night time fears How to help an anxious child sleep better Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents By Eli Lebowitz PhD Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: A Guide for Caregivers by Eli Lebowitz PhD and Haim Omer PhD Psychology Today - find a therapist, screening for your insurance type and specialty of provider https://www.spacetreatment.net/space-providers - Find SPACE treatment providers (excellent parent training for treating anxiety in children The Sleep Edit CIO episode Books on dealing with fears of the dark: Uncle Lightfoot Flip That Switch: Overcoming Fear of the Dark Orion and the Dark The Rabbit, the Dark and the Cookie Tin. (Note that we use Amazon Affiliate links to support the podcast). Have questions? Drop us a line!

Today, we're cutting through the noise to bring clarity to some common pediatric sleep myths that frequently confuse tired parents. Dr. Canapari and Arielle are tackling: Wake windows Sleep regressions Nap strikes Whether you should or should not wake a sleeping baby Teenage sleep myths Notable Quotes: "Children are as unique in their sleep needs as they are in their personalities. It's our job to guide, not dictate, their path to better sleep." - Dr. Craig Canapari "The concept of wake windows has become a maze for parents. Let's simplify and tailor sleep strategies to fit the child, not the other way around." - Ariel Greenleaf "Initiating a bedtime routine early is key, but adjusting strategies as your child grows is equally important." - Dr. Craig Canapari on establishing and evolving sleep routines. "Addressing sleep is not just about tonight's rest; it's about setting a foundation for healthy sleep habits that last a lifetime." - Arielle Greenleaf Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Naps 00:15 Debunking Sleep Myths and Discussing Wake Windows 08:44 Understanding Sleep Regressions 17:17 The Controversy of Nap Strikes 23:05 The Impact of Napping on Nighttime Sleep 23:39 The Role of Daycare in Children's Sleep Patterns 25:35 Debunking Sleep Myths: Late Bedtimes and Desired Wake Times 38:22 The Controversy of Sleep Training 42:38 The Struggle of Teenagers with Early School Start Times 45:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Advocacy Show notes Do wake windows really help babies and kids nap better? How to deal with a sleep regression Are sleep regressions real? Dealing with a nap strike FAQ and Tips for Sleep Regressions Sleep regressions in the NYT: Iglowstein article– on sleep needs and nap timing Study on driving in sleep deprived mothers:  Understanding sleep drive and the circadian clock in children Facebook groups raise cortisol in moms More help on napping Questions or feedback? Email us here. We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows!

In this episode, we talk about the controversial method of 'Cry It Out' (CIO) or Extinction Sleep Training. This approach, often misunderstood and feared, can be a quick and efficient method to improve a child's sleep. We go deep on the criteria for its successful implementation, discussing age-appropriateness, parental consistency, and prioritizing safety and health. We also cover that the method is not suitable for all children or families, and alternative methods like bedtime fading and pick up/put down are also considered. Finally, we cover importance of sleep training for both children and parents to improve the overall family dynamic. (Full transcript and a video are available here). Here are the three key take-aways from the episode: Be open to trying different sleep training methods - What works well for one child's temperament may not work for another. Give a new method 3-5 nights before deciding if it's effective. "Gentle" is not always better - Sitting in the room while ignoring crying (camping out) can actually prolong upset in some young babies. More separation may help them learn to self-soothe faster. Cry it out is generally safe when done responsively - Research shows no long term emotional harm. But if excessive crying persists beyond expectations, reevaluate and adjust. Be responsive to your baby's needs. 00:00 Introduction to the Sleep Edit 00:03 Discussing Cry It Out (CIO) Method 00:09 Introducing Arielle Greenleaf 01:08 The Controversy Around Sleep Training 02:56 Understanding Different Sleep Training Techniques 03:43 The Importance of Sleep for Children and Parents 04:02 Defining Sleep Training Terms 09:21 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Sleep Training 09:27 The Role of Attachment Theory in Sleep Training 17:03 The Effectiveness of Extinction Sleep Training 24:46 Sleep Training in the Era of Room Sharing 28:14 The Power of Parental Presence 29:12 Understanding the Importance of Age-Appropriate Schedules 29:56 The Role of Routine in Sleep Training 30:58 The Challenges of Nap Time 31:40 Who is Extinction Sleep Training For? 33:35 The Importance of Consistency in Sleep Training 36:54 The First Year of Life: Sleep Expectations and Realities 39:22 The Pitfalls of Sleep Training Methods 42:59 The Role of Feeding in Sleep Training 45:56 Alternatives to Extinction Sleep Training Links: How long will your baby cry during sleep training? How to CIO Sleep Train Your Baby Article in Time on why Dr. Sears’ contention about the dangers of crying are false Two articles on why sleep training doesn’t hurt your child Why you should room share but not bed share in infancy Modern family sleep training scene Questions or feedback? Email us here. We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows! Assistant producer: Theodore Canapari

In part two of our discussion on helping kids sleep through the night, pediatric sleep expert Dr. Craig Canapari and sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf tackle night wakings and feedings.  (You can find part 1 here, including a video of both episodes). They provide guidance on when night feeds may or may not be necessary, how to handle night nursing for comfort vs nutrition, and tips for transitioning toddlers away from nighttime calories. Key Takeaways: - Only a small percentage of sleep issues are caused by medical problems. Most kids need some type of sleep training or behavioral intervention. - Check with your pediatrician before dropping night feeds - make sure your child is getting enough calories during the day first.  - Night nursing is about more than nutrition - it also provides comfort. Wean slowly if desired. - Toddlers generally don't need extra calories at night. But there is little guidance given on transitioning from milk feeds to solids at this age. Notable Quotes: "I always like to say I am not, if a sleep consultant starts working with someone and says, without any digging, we're going to eliminate all feedings overnight really fast, we're just gonna take 'em all away, run for your life." - Arielle Greenleaf "Honestly, a normally growing child over a year of age doesn't really need those calories at night. And if you find that you are meaning to give milk or anything else during the night you, I give you permission to cut it out and you may want to wean it slowly." - Dr. Craig Canapari Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to "The Sleep Edit" podcast and follow Dr. Canapari and Arielle Greenleaf on social media for more great sleep advice! 00:02 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:18 Understanding Sleep Disorders in Children 02:03 Medical Problems and Behavioral Interventions 05:14 The Role of Bedtime and Nighttime Awakening 05:18 Feeding and Sleep Patterns 13:44 Adjustment Issues and Sleep Disruptions 18:02 Addressing Nighttime Fears 20:24 Imagining Bedtime Stories 20:41 Addressing Children's Fears 21:13 The Huggy Puppy Intervention 21:55 Dealing with Trauma and Sleep Difficulties 23:18 Environmental Causes of Nighttime Awakening 24:44 The Impact of Light and Shadows 25:14 The Creepy Doll Story 25:53 Technology and Sleep 26:40 Sensory Disorders and Sleep 27:54 Too Much Time in Bed Syndrome 36:14 The Importance of Independent Sleep 38:28 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Questions or feedback? Email us here. We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows! Links: Huggy puppy intervention for night time fears Brett Kuhn Ph.D Why is your toddler waking up at night How much sleep does your child need at night? How to address night feedings

Night time awakenings are THE most common reason that parents bring their child to a sleep physician or consultant. Dr. Craig Canapari and expert sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf join forces to give advice on the most common reasons that kids wake up at night. The first step to getting your child to sleep through the night is understanding why they are waking up. They address the concept of sleep regressions, the impact of medical conditions such as asthma, acid reflux, and ear infections on sleep, and the importance of consulting a professional when these issues arise. Greenleaf discusses her own journey from a sleep-deprived mother to a pediatric sleep consultant, highlighting the valuable role of sleep consultants in helping families achieve better sleep. Canapari reminds listeners that the goal isn’t about achieving “perfect” sleep but about achieving sleep that enables everyone in the family to feel good and function well in the morning. (Note that this is such a big topic we split it in two-- here is part 2). 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:06 Meet the Host and Guest 01:41 Arielle's Journey into Sleep Consultancy 03:15 The Impact of Nighttime Awakenings 05:37 Defining 'Sleeping Through the Night' 09:34 Understanding Nighttime Awakenings 09:49 Addressing Early Evening Awakenings 16:06 Understanding Sleep Cycles and Stages 18:35 The Importance of Independent Sleep 24:07 Understanding Your Child's Sleep Patterns 24:27 The Role of Sleep Consultants and Pediatricians 25:04 The Importance of Independent Sleep 26:21 The Misconceptions Around Sleep Training 28:06 The Impact of Developmental Milestones on Sleep 30:19 The Effects of Travel and Illness on Sleep 31:35 Addressing Nighttime Awakenings 37:11 The Role of Medical Issues in Sleep Disruptions 40:34 The Importance of Addressing Health Before Behavior 42:35 Preview of the Next Episode 43:18 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Links: Sleep training won't hurt your child How much sleep do kids need? What to do about sleep regressions How to stop night feedings Things that go bump in the night: Night terrors, sleep walking, etc. Craig's Book: It's Never Too Late To Sleep Train: The Low Stress Way to High Quality Sleep for Babies Kids and Parents Why you should ignore annoying things your kids do Toddler night wakenings: what causes them, what you can do about them Questions or feedback? Email us here. We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows!

Parenting is hard-- especially when your child isn't sleeping well. Because that means you aren't sleeping well. I'm excited to launch a new podcast tackling the most common sleep issues that parents are facing these days. Why does my child wake up every night? How do I get him out of my bed? Is melatonin safe. Join us twice a month as Dr Craig Canapari (author, sleep expert, and director of the Yale Pediatric Sleep Center) and Arielle Greenleaf (noted sleep consultant) give you the best, evidence based information you need so EVERYONE in your home can sleep better.