18 Month Old Sleeping Too Much?

Updated on August 26, 2010
S.S. asks from Albertson, NC
13 answers

My ds has slept a crazy amount the past two days. On Monday, he didn't take any naps, which really worried me. I couldn't get him down for love nor money.
Yesterday, he slept about 11 hours in the night, then took a 2 hour morning nap and a 2.5 hour afternoon nap.
Today he slept about 11 hours in the night, then took a 30 minute morning nap (I had to wake him for an appointment), and he's now taking his afternoon nap. As I type this, he's been asleep 2 hours and 15 minutes.

He has slept through the night since 7 weeks. the only exceptions being when he was sick. He's always taken 2 naps during the day. We've been on the 2-3-4 pattern- morning nap 2 hours after waking, afternoon nap 3 hours after waking from morning nap, bedtime 4 hours after waking from afternoon nap.
I'm just worried that there might be something wrong. He's eating well and doesn't appear to be sick. He's cut quite a few teeth in the past month and is picking up words like crazy. Any ideas?

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So What Happened?

So, I think we were/are having a growth spurt. It's been several days now and he still does not act sick and is his same old self when he's awake.
I also think he *might* be trying to drop his morning nap.
Thanks for the input, gang!

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J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I would bet he's growing. Also, if he's learning a lot, his little brain needs to rest to store info properly. Take advantage of the down time! ;}

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N.G.

answers from Fayetteville on

No need to worry! He's probably getting ready for a growth spurt. You'll see that soon his clothes will be too small for him. You're doing just fine!

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A.F.

answers from Raleigh on

When my toddlers have done the exact same thing, to me it has been that they were having a growth spurt. Just let him sleep and in a few days he should be back to normal.

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D.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

It could be a number of things......the weather, he's playing more, he's getting a growth spurt, he's teething.......you never know.....

If he doesn't come out of it soon, I would take him to the Dr.......I would also not let him sleep past an hour in his naps if he is sleeping 11 hours a night.......unless he's had a really hard day playing and running.....

Keep an eye on him and if in a week it doesn't change, make an appointment.....watch to see if the weather changing helps....

Take care..

S.M.

answers from Kansas City on

He sounds like he's fighting a little virus and needs the sleep.

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M.M.

answers from Huntington on

My daughters always sleep a lot during growth spurts. You might measure his height and see if he has grown. Also, brain development happens during sleep. Look up how much sleep a child of his age needs. Kids normally need more than 8 hours of sleep at night, even with naps. My kids took long naps and slept a lot at night, and they are very smart girls.

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V.C.

answers from Wheeling on

A few things to ask yourself in any such situation:
Is there fever?
Is s/he eating well?
Is sh/e getting enough liquids?
Is s/he peeing and pooping regular amounts?
Is s/he as active as usual?
Is s/he resting well?
Is s/he happy, or grouchy?
Is s/he complaining?
If the answer to all of these questions (and you seem to have answered most of them) is the desirable one, I'd say don't worry. He's just tired!

I admire your structured habits, but be careful not to be too rigid. Kids are very adaptable and resilient!

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A.C.

answers from Columbus on

How is he when he's awake? Is he bright and alert or is he lethargic or cranky? When he's awake does he seem like he's his normal self (compared to, say, maybe last week or the week before)? Does he have a temp or any congestion?

If he seems like his normal self when awake, I'd just say that his body is needing more rest & repair time, and go with it for another day or two.
However, if he is not his normal self when awake or you have any other little things that are concerning you, go have him looked by the doctor.

Some kids need more sleep than others, especially during growth spurts. Our little guy has always needed a lot of sleep (typically 10-11 hours at night and a 2 or 3 hour nap during the day). But each kid is different.

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M.K.

answers from Kansas City on

He seems like he has been a busy beaver. New words, cutting teeth.....his poor little brain needs a rest! You know, sleeping is when the body regenerates itself. Let it go and consider yourself blessed! I wish my baby would sleep like that! :0)

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A.H.

answers from New York on

My son is 17 1/2 months and that is pretty much his pattern most days... He is in the process of getting rid of his morning nap. But otherwise for months he would sleep 8pm-6ish am and then back to sleep about 8-10am and then a nap again at about 1-3pm. So, sounds normal to me! Lately, my son is only taking his morning nap some days but then takes at least a 2 to 2 1/2 hour hap in the afternoon.
Good luck!

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S.L.

answers from Lexington on

he may be getting ready for a growth spurt - unless he is running fever or complains (loses appetite etc.) I would cherish the "down time"

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J.J.

answers from Nashville on

It sounds to me like he is going through a growth spurt. My ped said that when all they want to do is eat and sleep that's what is generally going on. Hope this helps.

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