Why won't my toddler sleep?

It could actually be because they are deficient in Vitamin D3........ now we are not saying that this is always the case but yes, insufficient levels could be contributing to poor sleep and frequent night wakening's. Deficiency has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration. Studies indicate that there are Vitamin D receptors present in the brain areas involved in sleep regulation. Vitamin D also plays an important role in melatonin production - the hormone CRUCIAL for the sleep-wake cycle (the circadian rhythm).

Low levels of Vitamin D may also contribute to poor concentration and daytime sleepiness. Not great for kids at school!

What time of day should my child take their Vitamin D supplement?

We generally recommend taking Vitamin D supplements in the morning - this then replicates the body's natural exposure from the sun.

Based on Canadian nutritional guidelines we recommend 400IU daily for babies from birth until 1 and 600IU daily for kids ages 1+.

So if your baby, toddler or child is not sleeping well, we would thoroughly recommend initiating a Vitamin D supplement! It may not completely solve the problem and turn them into 12 hour a night sleeping angels BUT it likely will help!