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Exploratory study of bedtime resistance in toddlers

Mikayla Carson1, Erin S Leichman1, M Catherine Mack2

  • 1Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|September 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Over 60% of toddlers exhibit bedtime resistance (BR), impacting sleep duration and independence. Resistance behaviors vary by age, with younger toddlers crying and older ones showing broader resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Bedtime resistance is a frequent concern for parents of toddlers.
  • Over 60% of mothers in this study reported bedtime resistance in their toddlers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of bedtime resistance in toddlers.
  • To determine the associations between bedtime resistance and sleep parameters.
  • To explore relationships with environmental and parenting behaviors related to sleep.

Main Methods:

  • 318 mothers of toddlers (12-36 months) completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised (BISQ-R).
  • Data included questions on bedtime resistance, sleep parameters, and environmental/parenting factors.

Main Results:

  • 61.3% of toddlers displayed bedtime resistance, with no difference in prevalence between younger and older toddlers.
  • Younger toddlers were more prone to crying/tantrums, while older toddlers exhibited a wider range of resistant behaviors.
  • Bedtime resistance was linked to later bedtimes, longer sleep onset latency, reduced sleep consolidation, shorter sleep duration, and less independent sleep.

Conclusions:

  • Bedtime resistance affects over 60% of toddlers and is associated with poorer sleep outcomes and reduced sleep independence.
  • The nature of resistance evolves with age, reflecting developmental changes.
  • Integrated assessment and intervention strategies are needed for bedtime resistance, considering its impact on sleep and family well-being.

Keywords:
Bedtime resistanceSleepSleep problemsToddlers

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