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Regarding sleep pattern
I am planning to send my 2.7 year old daughter to playschool. She used to sleep till late morning like 10.30 am. Now I have to wake her up at 7.00 am. Is it bad for her health to forcefully wake her up? She sleeps late at night also like 12 am. I didn't try to disturb her natural sleep pattern till now. Please suggest what should I do.
Answers (6)
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It is not uncommon for young children to have irregular sleep patterns, especially before starting school routines. However, adequate sleep is crucial for your child’s physical and mental development. For a 2.7-year-old, the recommended total sleep is about 11–14 hours per day, including nap time. Forcibly waking your daughter early before she has completed enough sleep can lead to irritability, poor attention, and tiredness during the day.
It would be best not to abruptly change her schedule. Instead, gradually shift her bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every few days. This can make waking up at 7 am easier and healthier for her body.
Next Steps
Start adjusting bedtime earlier in small increments over 1–2 weeks until she is able to wake naturally by your desired time.
Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine, even on weekends, to help regulate her internal clock.
Ensure she has a calm, screen-free environment before bedtime to support her falling asleep earlier.
If she has trouble falling asleep earlier despite your efforts, consider consulting your pediatrician for further evaluation and advice.
Health Tips
Avoid making sudden, large changes to her sleep time.
Watch for signs of sleep deprivation: crankiness, difficulty waking, or daytime sleepiness.
Patience and consistency are key; it may take a few weeks for her sleep cycle to adjust.
Do not use medication or sleep aids for this age group unless prescribed by a doctor.
Encourage relaxing pre-bedtime activities, like reading a book or gentle music, to signal upcoming sleep.
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Hello, I understand your concern
It’s natural for toddlers to resist routine changes. Toddlers need 10–13 hours of sleep in 24 hours. For a 7 AM wake-up, she should ideally sleep by 8:30–9 PM.
Next Steps
Shift bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every 2–3 days.
Start a calming bedtime routine (bath, storytime, dim lights) at least 30 mins before sleep time.
Avoid screen time 1 hour before bed.
Wake her 15–20 mins earlier every 2 days to gradually reach 7 AM.
Expose her to bright natural light after waking—helps reset body clock.
Limit or schedule naps early in the day (before 2 PM).
Encourage active play in the morning to increase nighttime tiredness.
Explain daycare positively as a fun place to play and make friends.
Visit the daycare beforehand to reduce anxiety.
Praise her for small wins in adapting to the new routine.
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Dr. Santosh Bangar
Pediatrician
16 yrs exp
Ahmednagar
See other playschool suitable her time and then gradually make changes in sleep patterns
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
It’s not bad for her health to wake her up early. The child will make up for her lost sleep slowly by sleeping early in the evening and slowly shift the cycle. Speak to the play school - do they have a bed for a child if they fall asleep at school ? Usually such facilities are there for her age group
Try to plan a sleep - wake cycle of 7 am - 7 pm.
For her age she can be put to sleep early in the evening. Remember no screen time till 2 years age and after that only 1 hour till 5 years of age
No screen for at least 1 hour before sleep
Can read a storybook with her before sleeping
Avoid chocolate, caffeinated and sugary drinks before bedtime. Instead replace them with warm milk
Health Tips
Above measures will go a long way in forming healthy habits from an early age
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Gopal Raut
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Wake the child 15–30 minutes earlier every 2–3 days.
•If they currently wake at 10:30 AM, make it 10 AM for 2–3 days, then 9:30AM, and so on.
•Do this gradually to avoid overtiredness.
Expose the child to sunlight immediately after waking up.
• Natural light helps reset the internal circadian rhythm.
Night-Time Sleep Adjustment
1. Advance bedtime gradually by 15–30 minutes every few nights.
• Keep lights dim in the evening.
• Avoid screens at least 1–2 hours before bedtime.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.