Is your child suddenly afraid to go to sleep - and now your whole household is exhausted and on edge?
If bedtime has turned into a battle, this episode is your lifeline. I’m joined by sleep expert Dr. Jessica Meers to break down what really works when your child is struggling with child sleep anxiety and nighttime fears - especially after a nightmare.
Whether your child refuses to settle alone or ends up in your bed every night, we’ll guide you through proven, compassionate solutions rooted in psychology and real-life parenting. We cover exactly how to get your child to sleep in their own bed without guilt, chaos, or confusion - even if they’ve become deeply afraid to go to sleep on their own.
Dr. Meers, a nationally recognized sleep psychologist and mom of twins, shares practical advice for preventing nighttime fears, responding in the moment, and rebuilding healthy sleep habits with consistency and care.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why your child might suddenly be afraid to go to sleep - even if bedtime used to be smooth sailing
- The surprising science behind nighttime fears, and how our brains (and our kids' brains) process dreams
- The truth about child sleep anxiety, and why it shows up even in high-functioning, emotionally supported kids
- Expert-backed advice on how to get your child to sleep in their own bed - without making them feel abandoned or dismissed
- The #1 mistake parents make after a nightmare, and how it accidentally reinforces child sleep anxiety
If you’re feeling stuck, second-guessing your parenting, or just too tired to think straight - this episode is your reset button. You’ll learn exactly what to say and do when your child is afraid to go to sleep, how to soothe nighttime fears without caving to them, and real-life strategies for tackling child sleep anxiety with confidence.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
EP 14: How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction
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CONNECT WITH DR. JESSICA MEERS:
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