How Long 'Til Bedtime? | Sleep and Parenting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

183. How Sleep Changes During Early Puberty Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Puberty doesn't just bring growth spurts and mood swings—it also changes the way your child sleeps. In this episode, Allison breaks down what's happening biologically when tweens start staying up later and struggling to get up in the morning. You'll learn how to recognize the signs that your child's internal clock is shifting and get practical tips to help them stay well-rested—even as their sleep needs evolve.

What You'll Learn:

Why your tween is suddenly taking longer to fall asleep
How puberty affects melatonin production and circadian rhythms
Real signs your child's sleep is shifting (and what's still normal)
What to try when your child is staying up too late and still has an early wake-up
How Allison is navigating this season with her own kids (and what's working!)

Mentioned in this episode:

Calm app for bedtime meditations
Peloton app for bedtime meditations and stretching

Know a parent with a tween or teen? Forward this episode their way—it might just save a few hours of sleep this week.

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Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Please consider rating and reviewing the show. This helps Allison support more parents. Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the podcast, and select "Write a Review." And if you're a Spotify listener, you can now leave reviews on Spotify by clicking here. Also, if you subscribe to the show, you won't miss any episodes!

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182. How To Respond When Your Child Says They Are Tired Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

We all want our kids to embrace bedtime and develop a positive relationship with sleep, but sometimes we miss key opportunities to reinforce this mindset. In today's episode, Allison is sharing a simple, go-to response to your child's "I'm tired" that can encourage a healthy sleep attitude.

Episode highlights:

The golden moment when your child says, "I'm tired" at dinner and how to respond
Why validating your child's feelings of tiredness can be a game-changer
How to reinforce the importance of listening to their body's signals
The power of using positive language around sleep
What to do if your child truly needs sleep more than food
Tips for shaping a positive sleep narrative that reduces bedtime resistance

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

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181. Should you wait to sleep train because of teething? Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Teething and sleep is one of those parenting topics that sparks a lot of debate. In this episode, Allison is addressing a question she hears constantly: Should you wait to sleep train if you know or suspect that your baby is teething? Spoiler alert: No, you don't need to wait! In fact, helping your baby learn to sleep well might actually help them manage teething discomfort better at night.

Listen in as Allison dives into the latest research published in The Journal of Pediatrics, which reveals that teething does not actually cause night wakings. She'll share the findings from a brand-new study, which used advanced video monitoring to track the sleep patterns of babies on teething vs. non-teething nights. The results may surprise you!

If you've been waiting to sleep train because of teething, this episode will reassure you that it's not only possible but beneficial to start sleep training now.

Allison and Sophie Kuzjak discuss the transition out of the swaddle in our Before We Dive In segment. Learn more about the Zipadee-Zip transition swaddle they mentioned.

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180. How To End Your Toddler's Extra Bedtime Potty Breaks Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

If your child has figured out that potty breaks are a perfect excuse to delay bedtime, it can quickly turn into a frustrating routine. But don't worry—Allison has some straightforward strategies to help you set boundaries and restore peace to bedtime.

It can be difficult to determine whether or not your child actually does need to use the restroom when they are asking multiple times each evening. Listen in for Allison's tips for sorting through the stall tactics and setting your child up for sleep success without the multiple trips to the potty at bedtime. Plus, she's sharing language you can use to set and keep a clear structure around your child's bedtime routine.

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Use code SLEEP to get free shipping on your first order at Shenanigans

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179. Answers To The 5 Most Asked Toddler Sleep Questions Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

If you have a toddler, you likely have some questions when it comes to their sleep. This age group can be tricky with their big emotions and all the sleep transitions they naturally go through. In this episode, Allison is answering the five questions she gets asked the most about toddlers. She'll cover sleep regressions, the transition from crib to bed, toddler clocks, night lights, and how and when to introduce a pillow and blanket.

Products Allison mentions:

Toddler Pillow

Toddler Blanket

Hatch Sleep Light

Other resources you may find helpful:

Sleep Regression Workshop

Crib to Bed Transition Workshop

Episode 9. The Truth About Night Lights and Fear of the Dark

Episode 46. The Key to Success with a Toddler Clock

Episode 94. When To Introduce a Pillow and Blanket

Episode 95. Q&A - If my child naps well on a cot at daycare, are they ready for a big kid bed?

Episode 167. [ENCORE] 5 Myths About the Crib to Bed Transition

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Use code SLEEP to get free shipping on your first order at Shenanigans

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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178. Melatonin and Children: Why I Don't Recommend It Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Melatonin is often marketed as a natural and harmless sleep aid, but is it really safe for kids? In this episode of How Long 'Til Bedtime? Allison is diving into why she doesn't recommend melatonin for most children. We'll explore the lack of long-term research, the potential impact on puberty, and why relying on melatonin might be masking deeper sleep issues.

You'll learn: ✅ Whether or melatonin is well studied in children ✅ What emerging research says about its potential effects on puberty ✅ Why fixing underlying sleep habits is a better long-term solution

If you've ever considered giving your child melatonin or want to understand the risks, this episode is a must-listen!

Check out the Acquired podcast: Costco that Allison mentioned.

Learn more about the Sleep and Wellness Coach programs and services Allison mentioned:

Your Preschool Sleep Champion Program

1-on-1 Coaching Services

Free Guide: Help Your Child Thrive With Sleep: 3 to 10 Years Old

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Use code SLEEP to get free shipping on your first order at Shenanigans

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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177. Daylight Saving & Your Child's Sleep: Easy Steps to Transition Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Good news! The dreaded daylight saving spring time change is EASIER to navigate than the fall time change. Today, Allison is going to share how you can have your child adjusted to the new time in ONE DAY. And, she's going to answer the common question about whether you can use this time change to switch to a later bedtime and later morning wake time.

She'll share why she doesn't recommend the method of the gradual shift and walk you through a step-by-step plan for tweaking naps and bedtimes to make this transition as smooth as possible. Parents with newborns not on a schedule yet, she's got simple guidance for you too.

Plus she's created a Spring Time Change cheat sheet to help you make the switch with ease. Click here to request your copy!

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Use code SLEEP to get free shipping on your first order at Shenanigans

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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176. Tips For Choosing A Sleep Coach Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

If you are considering hiring a sleep coach or consultant, listen in to hear Allison's tips for choosing the ideal person to help your family.

Allison mentioned Dr. Temple's Instagram

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175. The Benefits Of Working With A Sleep Coach Or Consultant Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Some parents are able to help their babies or young children learn to sleep well without any professional help. There is a plethora of books and information online that parents can use to educate themselves on sleep. Other babies, however, continue to struggle despite their parents best efforts. In these cases, a sleep coach or consultant can be a valuable resource.

In this episode, Allison is sharing the key benefits parents receive from working with a sleep coach.

Links for items Allison mentions in the episode:

Boiron Oscillococcinum

Dr. Temple's flu advice

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174. 4 Things I Like To See In Every Toddler's Room Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Is your child between the ages of 2 and 5? Listen in to hear the FOUR items Allison believes need to be in every toddler's bedroom – and the ONE item she strongly encourages you to leave out of their bedroom. She provides her reasoning behind all these recommendations, as well as complete details on her must have items.

Allison mentions these previous episodes:

173. 4 Things I Like To See In Every Infant's Room

167. [ENCORE] 5 Myths About the Crib to Bed Transition

46. The Key to Success with a Toddler Clock

64. Nap, Rest Time or Drop the Nap? Let's Discuss.

Links for items Allison mentions in the episode:

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.