Blissed Out BabiesBlissed Out Babies
If you’re a Cheshire parent navigating the exhausting world of toddler sleep, chances are you’ve been bombarded with warnings about the dreaded state of overtiredness. Social media, sleep consultants, and well-meaning friends all seem to agree: overtiredness is the root of all sleep problems. The message is clear—if your child is struggling with sleep, they must be overtired.
But what if I told you that this relentless focus on overtiredness is actually making things worse? That the fear of overtiredness has pushed parents into trying to get their children to sleep far more than they biologically need, which is causing more sleep struggles? It’s time to take a closer look at the great overtiredness conspiracy and how Cheshire parents can create an effective 18-month nap schedule that truly works.
First, let’s acknowledge that overtiredness can contribute to sleep struggles. When a child is genuinely overtired, their body produces more cortisol (a stress hormone), which can make it harder for them to settle and stay asleep. This can lead to more night wakings and early rising—exactly the issues parents are trying to avoid. For parents following the Cheshire-18 month nap schedule, understanding this balance is key to preventing the effects of overtiredness.
But here’s the problem: while overtiredness can be a factor, it has become an overused explanation for every sleep struggle. Instead of considering a range of potential causes, many parents are told that more sleep is always the answer. And that’s where things start to go wrong.
Because of the intense messaging around overtiredness, parents have started expecting their children to sleep far more than is biologically typical. Many sleep consultants and social media posts promote the idea that toddlers should be sleeping 12 hours at night, plus naps during the day. But research doesn’t actually support this expectation.
A study by Paavonen et al. found that toddlers typically sleep about 10 hours at night and 2 hours during the day.
This means that if parents are trying to aim for 12+ hours of night sleep plus naps, they are actually working against their child’s natural sleep needs.
Instead of overtiredness, many children are struggling with under tiredness—being put to bed before they’re ready, leading to bedtime battles, false starts, night wakings, and early mornings. When children aren’t tired enough, their bodies simply won’t stay asleep for the long stretches that parents are aiming for. Therefore, creating a personalised 18-month nap schedule can be helpful in managing both over- and under tiredness.
The obsession with overtiredness has led parents to do things that actually cause sleep disruptions:
Overly early bedtimes – If a child isn’t ready to sleep but is put to bed too early, they may wake up frequently at night or start their day at 4 or 5 AM. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re adhering to a strict 18 month nap schedule.
Rushing to fix sleep problems by adding more sleep – Instead of adjusting schedules to fit their child’s true needs, parents assume more sleep is the answer and create unrealistic expectations.
Cutting out naps too soon – Some parents believe that even a short nap will lead to bedtime resistance and try to eliminate naps too early, leading to true overtiredness.
Rather than obsessing over preventing overtiredness at all costs, parents should shift their focus to understanding their child’s individual sleep needs. This means:
Following these steps can help Cheshire parents balance their toddler’s sleep schedule, focusing on the bigger picture of their child’s total sleep needs.
The reality is, many toddler sleep issues stem from a misunderstanding of normal sleep needs, not from overtiredness. The great overtiredness conspiracy has led Cheshire parents and others around the UK to chase an unattainable goal of endless sleep, when what their child actually needs is a well-balanced, realistic approach to sleep expectations. If you’re a Cheshire parent looking for a solid framework to help navigate toddler sleep, consider following a tailored 18-month nap schedule for a more sustainable and personalized approach.
Instead of fearing overtiredness, let’s focus on tuning into our children’s real sleep cues, understanding what’s biologically normal, and letting go of the pressure to make them sleep more than they need to. It’s time to break free from the overtiredness myth and start embracing realistic, healthy sleep for our toddlers—and for ourselves.
For further details on developing a sustainable 18-month nap schedule, check out this guide to toddler sleep routines.
Managing toddler sleep doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending battle. By stepping away from the fear of overtiredness and taking a balanced approach—such as following a personalised 18-month nap schedule—you can meet your child’s true sleep needs while avoiding common sleep struggles.
Trust in your child’s natural sleep patterns, and remember that healthy sleep habits don’t require chasing an unrealistic ideal. With the right approach, everyone in the family can enjoy better, more restful nights. If you need more guidance, consider booking a consultation with Jem, a Cheshire based sleep consultant who can help you navigate your child’s sleep needs effectively.
I have always been interested in gentle parenting techniques, and as a self confessed ‘geek’ I spent many a sleepless night reading. I became so interested in infant brain development and the science of sleep that I completed my Holistic Sleep Coaching qualification, mentored by the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway. I have been working as a toddler sleep consultant since 2018, I am based in Manchester but I can work with you from anywhere in the world online!
This coupled with my experience in settling techniques, toddler negotiation strategies and analysis of naps and sleep needs gives me a wealth of knowledge to be able help you.
If you’re looking for help with making changes to your family’s sleeping habits and would like to speak to a toddler sleep consultant who is down to earth and sympathetic and will focus on you and your family with empathy and understanding then please get in touch.
I would love to hear from you!
Jem x
Click here to book a free chat with Jem to discuss sleep packages and ensure we are a good fit. There is no obligation and I will only take clients where I genuinely feel I can change their lives.
I have three simple toddler sleep support packages, Read more about them here.
Yes! You can check out my free sleep resources here.
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