Toddler Sleep Troubles: Insights and Solutions from Dr Tim Jones

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes back Dr Tim Jones, a General Practitioner and medical educator with a special interest in general paediatrics. Dr Jones shares his expertise on toddler sleep challenges, providing valuable insights and practical advice for GPs on how to address common sleep issues in young children.Dr Jones discusses the variability of toddler sleep, emphasising the importance of sleep quality over quantity. He explains that while the average three-year-old requires about 12 hours of sleep per night, this can range from as little as nine hours to as much as 15 hours. The focus is on ensuring that the child is happy, healthy, and well-rested.Dr Jones talks on the common presentations of toddler sleep issues in a general practice setting. He discusses the importance of thorough history-taking and screening for underlying medical conditions that might affect sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, eczema, and allergies. He emphasises the role of family dynamics, daytime sleep patterns, screen use, sugar intake, and physical activity in influencing sleep behaviour.Various sleep strategies are explored, including addressing nighttime fears, managing dependency on specific items or people, and handling early morning wake-ups. Dr Jones highlights techniques like worry boxes, monster traps, and the "camping out" method to help children feel safe and transition to independent sleep.Addressing the cautious use of pharmacological interventions, particularly melatonin, emphasising the lack of long-term safety data and potential side effects. He advises focusing on behavioural and environmental techniques before considering medication.Dr Jones shares a valuable resource for practitioners: the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's "Sleep with Kip" website, (https://sleepwithkip.com/) which offers evidence-based resources to support early childhood sleep.The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.comMentioned in this episode:Proudly supported by Medtech Global:The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information: Medtech Global