Common Reasons Why Your Child Wakes Up During the Night

Published on: Fri Apr 04 2025

Does your child often wake up in the middle of the night? You’re not alone! Many parents wonder why their kids can’t seem to sleep all the way through until morning. Here are seven of the most common reasons your child might be waking up—and some tips to help everyone get a better night’s sleep.

1. Hunger or Thirst

Young children grow quickly and have small stomachs, so they might wake up if they’re hungry or thirsty. If your child didn’t eat enough during the day or before bed, their tummy might rumble in the night.

What can help?
Make sure your child has a healthy snack and a small drink of water before bedtime. Good snack ideas are a banana or a few whole-grain crackers. This can help them feel full and stay asleep longer.

2. Sleep Associations

Some kids get used to falling asleep with a pacifier, bottle, or next to a parent. If they wake up and those things aren’t there, they may feel upset or confused and call out for you.

How to help:
Try to teach your child to fall asleep on their own. Put them to bed when they are sleepy but still awake. This helps them learn to soothe themselves and go back to sleep without needing anything extra in the night.

3. Discomfort or Illness

When children don’t feel well, sleep can be hard. Teething, ear infections, stuffy noses, or itchy skin can all cause nighttime wake-ups.

What to look out for:
Check for signs like fever, cough, or a runny nose. Make sure your child’s room is comfortable—not too hot or cold—and that their pajamas aren’t itchy or tight. If your child seems uncomfortable often, talk to your doctor for advice.

4. Nightmares or Night Terrors

Scary dreams and night terrors are common for young kids. Nightmares can wake your child up and make them feel afraid. Night terrors are different—they might scream or look confused but may not remember anything in the morning.

What to do:
Comfort your child after a nightmare and remind them they are safe. If they have a night terror, gently keep them safe until it passes, but don’t try to wake them up. Keeping a calm and relaxing bedtime routine can help prevent these sleep problems.

5. Environmental Disturbances

Noises, lights, and uncomfortable bedding can all wake up a child. Loud cars outside, barking dogs, or even a bright streetlight can interrupt sleep. Sometimes, rooms that are too hot or cold, or scratchy sheets, can also make sleep tricky.

Tips to fix this:
Keep your child’s room quiet, dark, and at a comfy temperature. Use blackout curtains to block light and try a white noise machine to cover up sudden sounds. Make sure their bed and pajamas are soft and cozy.

6. Separation Anxiety

Many young kids worry when they’re away from their parents, especially between 6 months and 3 years old. This can cause them to wake up at night to check if you’re still there.

How to help:
Create a calming and predictable bedtime routine. Reading a book, singing a song, or cuddling before bed can help your child feel safe and secure as they fall asleep.

7. Irregular Sleep Schedule

When kids go to bed or wake up at different times every day, their bodies get confused. An irregular schedule can make it hard for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.

What works best:
Try to keep bedtime and wake-up time the same every day, even on weekends. Make sure your child gets enough naps and nighttime sleep for their age. A regular routine helps their body know when it’s time to rest.

In Summary:
There are many reasons your child might wake up during the night. By figuring out what’s causing the wake-ups and making a few changes, you can help your child (and yourself!) get better sleep. Remember, healthy sleep is important for your child’s growth and happiness.