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Published on: February 25, 2016
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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
Summary
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.
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