Bedtime can often be a battleground for parents of toddlers and young children. Among the many challenges faced, the fear of the dark ranks high on the list. Nightlights emerge as a popular solution to this common concern, but are they really necessary? Do toddlers truly fear the dark, and if so, what's the best type of nightlight to ease their anxiety? In this post, we'll explore the science behind toddlers and nightlights, debunk some myths, and discuss the benefits of using a red nightlight for better sleep.
Do Toddlers Fear the Dark?
The idea that toddlers fear the dark is widely believed among parents, but is it based on fact?
According to research, children younger than two years of age typically don't experience fear of the dark until they've reached a certain level of cognitive development. During the first two years of life, infants and young children spend a significant portion of their sleep in non-REM (NREM) sleep stages, particularly deep sleep. This stage is characterised by slow brain waves and minimal dream activity. As children grow and their brains mature, they gradually spend more time in REM sleep, where dreams, including nightmares, are more likely to occur.
Additionally, before the age of two, children may not have developed a strong sense of self-awareness or the ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy, which are essential components for experiencing nightmares. Without these cognitive abilities, young children are less likely to have the vivid and frightening dreams characteristic of nightmares, as they don't have the capacity for imaginative thinking, including the creation of scary scenarios that might occur in the dark. Dr. Jean Mercer, a developmental psychologist, suggests that toddlers younger than two generally don't experience nightmares because they haven't yet developed the cognitive ability to do so. Therefore, the fear of the dark might not be as prevalent in very young children as commonly assumed.
Which Night Lights Are Best?
Research suggests that red nightlights may offer unique benefits for sleep quality. Unlike white or blue lights, red light has been shown to have some impact on melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that exposure to red light at night significantly improved melatonin levels and sleep quality in athletes.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that exposure to blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long and shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much. This suggests that blue light, often emitted by electronic devices and some types of nightlights, can disrupt sleep patterns, especially in children.
Therefore, by choosing a red nightlight, parents can create a sleep-friendly environment for their toddlers, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Nightlights can serve as valuable tools for creating a soothing sleep environment. Opting for a red nightlight can further enhance the benefits by minimising disruption to melatonin production and supporting healthy sleep patterns. As parents, understanding the science behind toddler sleep can empower us to make informed choices that promote better rest for our little ones.
If you are having difficulty getting your little one to sleep for naps or overnight and would like some support, email me laura@sleepteacher.co.uk or WhatsApp me 07768124120
References:
Mercer, J. (n.d.). Do young children experience nightmares? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/child-myths/201009/do-young-children-experience-nightmares
Wamsley, E. J., & Stickgold, R. (2011). Infant sleep, nocturnal cognition, and the puzzle of infantile amnesia. Learning & Memory, 18(7), 362–365. https://doi.org/10.1101/lm.023374.111
Rahman, S. A., Flynn-Evans, E. E., Aeschbach, D., Brainard, G. C., Czeisler, C. A., & Lockley, S. W. (2014). Diurnal spectral sensitivity of the acute alerting effects of light. Sleep, 37(2), 271–281. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.3396
Chellappa, S. L., Steiner, R., Blattner, P., Oelhafen, P., Götz, T., & Cajochen, C. (2011). Non-visual effects of light on melatonin, alertness and cognitive performance: Can blue-enriched light keep us alert? PLoS ONE, 6(1), e16429. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016429
Govindarajan, R., & Vijayalakshmi, K. (2015). Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of basketball players. Journal of Athletic Training, 50(9), 897–898. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-50.9.17
Hébert, M., Martin, S. K., Lee, C., Eastman, C. I., & Harvard, A. (2002). Evening light exposure to computer screens disrupts human sleep, biological rhythms, and circadian regulation. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 87(12), 5006–5015. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2002-020669
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