Managing sleep regressions
Sleep Regression: What It Is and How to Handle It
“Sleep regression” might be two of a parent’s least favorite words. And honestly? I think they’re a bit overused. As a sleep consultant, I often hear parents ask about sleep regressions because they want to understand why their baby, who was once a solid sleeper, is suddenly waking more at night or skipping naps. It’s common to blame sleep regressions (or teething) whenever things go sideways with sleep. But what is a sleep regression, really, and how do you navigate it?
What Is a Sleep Regression?
Babies experience rapid growth and development during their first two years of life, and sleep plays a crucial role in that. In the newborn stage, babies sleep frequently—sometimes every 45 minutes during the day—and only cycle through two stages of sleep: REM and deep sleep.
At around 4 months, their brains mature, and their sleep cycles reorganize to more closely resemble an adult’s, with light, deep, and REM sleep stages. This is often when parents notice a significant change in sleep. Long night wakings, crying fits before bedtime, and frequent wake-ups shortly after falling asleep are all signs of this 4-month shift. This phase can be exhausting, but it’s also a good time to begin building healthy sleep habits.
Beyond this stage, other sleep disruptions lasting more than a day or two are typically caused by developmental, environmental, or situational changes, rather than fundamental shifts in sleep cycles.
Common Causes of Sleep Regressions
- Developmental Milestones
Rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking—these are exciting milestones for babies, but they can throw sleep patterns off as their brains and bodies work overtime to master these skills. - Separation Anxiety
Around 6–8 months, separation anxiety often peaks. Your baby may struggle to fall asleep or wake more frequently because they want the comfort of knowing you’re nearby. - Routine Changes
Disruptions like travel, illness, starting daycare, or moving to a new bed can upset your baby’s sleep schedule. - Teething
While teething pain is often blamed for poor sleep, it usually has a minor impact. However, if your baby is visibly uncomfortable, this can cause more night wakings.
How to Manage Sleep Regressions
- Stick to a Consistent Routine
A predictable bedtime routine helps your child know it’s time to wind down. Even when sleep is off, consistency is your best friend. Resist the urge to try something entirely new—if they’ve slept well before, they can get back to it with a steady approach. - Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Keep the room dark, quiet, and comfortably cool. White noise machines can help drown out household or environmental noise that might disturb their sleep. - Foster Independent Sleep Skills
Help your baby learn to self-soothe. This might mean gradually stepping back from bedtime routines or introducing a comfort object (after they turn one). - Be Consistent at Night Wakings
If your child wakes up, respond in a calm and consistent way. Comfort them briefly and encourage them to settle back to sleep independently. Avoid creating new habits, like rocking or feeding to sleep, which could make it harder for them to self-soothe. - Practice Patience
Most regressions resolve within 2–4 weeks. Give your strategy at least a week before making any major changes.
Remember: Your Baby Is a Person, Too
Even the best sleepers will have off nights—it’s human! Babies wake up for the same reasons adults do: overstimulation, discomfort, or just needing a moment to resettle. When these nights happen, stay patient and consistent. Avoid reintroducing old habits or starting new ones you’ll need to undo later.
Sleep regressions can feel overwhelming, but they’re also temporary. With patience, understanding, and a solid routine, your little one will find their way back to restful sleep—and so will you.
