Behavioral sleep issues in children often involve challenges with bedtime routines, falling asleep, or staying asleep. These issues can stem from inconsistent routines, anxiety, or learned sleep habits. While common, untreated behavioral sleep problems can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, poor daytime functioning, and strained family dynamics.

At The Restful Sleep Place, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician, specializes in helping children and families overcome these challenges. With her compassionate, evidence-based approach, Dr. Brown creates personalized plans to foster healthier sleep habits and improve family harmony.

Common Behavioral Sleep Issues

Dr. Brown addresses a variety of behavioral sleep challenges, including:

• Bedtime Resistance: Difficulty getting children to settle down and go to bed on time.

• Night Wakings: Frequent awakenings during the night that require parental intervention.

• Sleep-Onset Associations: Dependence on certain conditions (like rocking or nursing) to fall asleep.

• Limit-Setting Problems: Struggles with enforcing boundaries around bedtime.

• Fear of Sleeping Alone: Anxiety or reluctance to sleep without a parent nearby.

Signs of Behavioral Sleep Issues

Your child may benefit from sleep support if they:

• Resist going to bed or take an excessively long time to fall asleep.

• Require specific conditions, like a parent’s presence, to fall asleep.

• Frequently wake up during the night and cannot return to sleep independently.

• Show signs of fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating during the day.

• Experience increased anxiety or behavioral problems related to sleep routines.

Our Approach to Behavioral Sleep Issues

At The Restful Sleep Place, we use a structured, family-centered approach to help children develop healthy sleep habits:

Comprehensive Evaluation

• Detailed discussion with parents to identify patterns, triggers, and challenges.

• Evaluation of your child’s overall sleep health, including coexisting sleep disorders.

Personalized Treatment Plans

• Bedtime Routine Support: Tailored strategies to establish consistent and calming pre-sleep routines.

• Parental Education: Guidance on implementing effective limit-setting techniques and sleep schedules.

• Behavioral Interventions: Evidence-based approaches, such as gradual withdrawal and positive reinforcement, to encourage independent sleep.

• Addressing Sleep Anxiety: Techniques to reduce nighttime fears and build confidence in sleeping alone.

Ongoing Support

• Regular follow-ups to assess progress and provide additional guidance.

• Direct access to Dr. Brown through our concierge care model for ongoing support.

Why Families Choose Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

• Expert Guidance: With years of experience in pediatric sleep medicine, Dr. Brown offers proven solutions for behavioral sleep issues.

• Family-Centered Approach: We empower parents with tools and education to make lasting changes.

• Holistic Support: Our care focuses on your child’s emotional and physical well-being, ensuring long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Behavioral Sleep Problems

Will my child outgrow their behavioral sleep problems?

While some children may naturally improve with age, addressing these issues early can prevent long-term sleep challenges and their associated effects on development and family dynamics.

How long does it take to see improvements?

Many families notice significant progress within weeks of implementing a structured sleep plan, though this varies depending on the child’s needs and the consistency of the plan.

What if my child has other sleep disorders too?

Dr. Brown evaluates your child’s overall sleep health and ensures any coexisting conditions, like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, are addressed alongside behavioral issues.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Behavioral sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep, bedtime resistance, and night waking, can affect your child’s well-being and your family’s harmony. At The Restful Sleep Place, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown provides compassionate, expert guidance to address these challenges. With evidence-based strategies and personalized plans, we’ll help your child establish healthy routines and achieve restorative sleep.

Take the first step toward better sleep for your child. Contact The Restful Sleep Place today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown and begin your journey to restful nights and happier days.