Potty Training and Sleep
How to Minimize the Disruption
I’ll be honest, it’s very likely that potty training is going to impact your little one’s sleep. But, know that it is a stage and it will pass!
Potty training is a development process, and as with all development/growth stages, they usually disrupt our carefully crafted sleep routines. This is particularly true for toddlers as they begin to recognize the sensations of being wet or soiled and then the sensation of needing to go. These sensations may wake them during naps and overnight sleep, and if they are woken early in the morning, this presents an additional challenge because it can be hard to get your child back to sleep.
But, this is a normal part of their body awareness development and how much potty training impacts sleep varies greatly from child to child.
What Can You Do to Minimize Sleep Disruption?
From a practical perspective, I recommend the following:
Limit beverages 1–2 hours before bedtime.
Practice a consistent bedtime routine that includes going to the bathroom at the start and at the end of the routine to ensure they are completely empty.
But perhaps most importantly, your mindset and planning in these situations is key. If you expect, and then have a plan for, these wakings it is a much more manageable experience. You’ll remain calmer and you’ll have an easier time getting your child back to sleep.
You may have a few difficult nights ahead, but take comfort in the fact that this is temporary and once your little one has finished potty training they will return to being a good little sleeper!