Sleep Regression: Common Signs and What To Do About It

It’s well-known that babies usually experience sleep regressions based on their body’s growing needs. Yet, there are various ways to get your baby (and you) through what can often be a stressful time. Discover the signs of sleep regression and how to navigate this phase.

What Is Sleep Regression?

The first step is identifying what exactly sleep regression is (and what it’s not).

Definition and Overview

Sleep regression is when infants who initially had no problems sleeping for consistent and prolonged periods suddenly begin to wake up unexpectedly and develop difficulty napping.

While these periods are common in infant growth, they can be challenging for parents.

However, there is no reliable scientific evidence showing all babies undergo sleep regression at the same age or in the same way [1]. As a result, monitoring changes in infant sleep patterns is not an exact science.

Common Misconceptions

Even though they are called regressions, such episodes are not cause for undue concern. Instead, they represent a natural development in infant sleep patterns and brain development.

While these changes in an infant’s sleep can be disconcerting for parents, knowing more about the biology of sleep can help you understand that sleep regression is a natural cycle that will pass.

When Does Sleep Regression Start?

Find out when this phase is likely to manifest in your child’s life, so that you won’t be too surprised.

Common Sleep Regression Ages

The ages when sleep regression begins can vary. According to a 2009 study, one common onset is a 4 month sleep regression that coincides with the beginning of teething and increased movement by the infant [2].

Developmental Milestones That Can Trigger Regression

One milestone in infant development that may trigger a 6 month sleep regression is when the baby starts to crawl. Another is an 8 month sleep regression when the baby begins to walk upright and experiences separation anxiety at nap or bedtime.

Duration and Frequency

According to the Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates website, the duration of sleep regression in babies typically lasts between 2-4 weeks and can occur at 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months [3].

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Regression

If you notice certain things, there’s a chance your baby could be going through a regression period.

Night Wakings and Shorter Sleep Cycles

Night wakings are when the infant wakes more frequently during the night, often accompanied by crying and fussiness. As a result, you may notice your baby sleeping less with more wake windows per day, which can also disrupt feeding times [4].

Nap Refusal

When your infant is experiencing sleep regression, one common symptom is that your baby refuses to take a nap. This could be the result of the discomfort and tiredness your child is feeling.

Mood and Behavioral Changes

Changes in your mood and behavior related to sleep regression can include crankiness, fussiness, and even separation anxiety, especially at nap or bedtime.

What Causes Sleep Regression?

Let’s talk about some of the various reasons why your child could be undergoing this phase.

Developmental Changes

An infant’s rapidly changing physiology in the form of teething and learning to walk are often a common cause of sleep regression. As a result, it can begin at 4 months and continue periodically up to a 2 year old sleep regression as the baby grows and develops into a toddler.

Environmental or Routine Shifts

Changes in a baby’s environment or routine (like a new day care situation, travel, or inconsistent nap times) can all contribute to crankiness, separation anxiety, and the onset of sleep regression [5].

Other Common Triggers

Anything that affects a child’s equilibrium like a cold or ear infection, overstimulation, teething, or any other common growing pain might all lead to baby and toddler sleep regression.

How To Handle Sleep Regression

Check out some ways that can make it easier for you to manage this challenging time in your child’s life.

Stick To Consistent Routines

Consistency is a major factor to managing sleep regression. Even though your baby’s growing pains will challenge the structure of a sleep routine, it’s important to try and maintain normal bedtime protocol, even if it is happening later than usual.

Offer Comfort Without Creating Sleep Crutches

Soothing your baby with cuddles to relax them for a deeper sleep is fine occasionally, but don’t make a habit of doing it until they fall asleep. Limiting this contact helps them learn to fall asleep on their own to help prevent separation anxiety from developing.

Use Gentle Sleep Training Techniques

Some potentially effective infant sleep training methods are:

• “Pick up and put down” is when you soothe your baby, place them down, and then repeat this until they can doze off on their own.
• Fading is gradually lessening your presence in the room each night until the baby needs only a few moments with you and then can fall asleep on his or her own [6].
• The Ferber Method sets time limits for parents to teach children to sleep on their own by gradually staying in the room with them less and less and then letting them cry until they fall asleep [7].

Managing Nap Schedules and Bedtime Routines

Keeping regular nap and sleep schedules and creating a routine around bedtime (like feeding, a bath, and then putting the baby to bed) can all help signal that it’s time to sleep and maintain sleep consistency.

To further encourage healthy sleep habits, create a relaxing environment in your child’s bedroom by getting the best mattresses for kids, painting the room with soothing colors, and playing gentle music or white noise.

When To Seek Help

It’s vital to know when you’ve reached a point when you already need professional assistance to deal with your baby’s sleep patterns and health.

Knowing When It’s Not Just Regression

If what seems like sleep regression lasts longer than a few weeks and doesn’t improve with your efforts, then it’s time to consult a pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Some warning signs to consider are changes in your baby’s eating or weight gain, breathing problems, and difficulty in waking up.

Consulting a Pediatrician or Sleep Specialist

Baby sleep regression is a temporary phase in your child’s development. Yet, if there are accompanying symptoms that are causing concern or the process is stressing you out, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Tips for Parents Coping With Sleep Regression

Follow these tips to help you and your baby survive, or perhaps even thrive, during the regression process.

Take Care of Your Own Sleep and Mental Health

A common occurrence among parents of newborns is that their own sleep health suffers while trying to cope with the needs of their child. Figure out how much sleep you need and if you’re getting enough rest. If your child’s sleep regression is becoming your own, give yourself a break and contact a sleep professional.

Communicate and Share Responsibilities

Unless you’re a single parent, it is important to work with your partner to manage your child’s sleep regression. To avoid getting stressed or exhausted, alternate nights when you put your baby to bed. Also, stay consistent with your own bedtime, and don’t let the situation turn into a “good and bad cop” scenario because it will make things more difficult for your child.

Be Patient and Flexible

Your baby’s sleep regression is not a power struggle. Children experience uncomfortable growing pains that they don’t understand. Patience, understanding, and flexibility can go a long way for your relationship with your child and spouse in this situation.

You can also take nootropic supplements if you want to become more focused and calm during this period. Plus, you may practice self soothing methods like meditation to prepare yourself to face each day with a positive attitude.

Expert Insights

A 2012 study showed there was a prevalence of around 10% regarding parent-reported sleep regressions beginning at 4 months and going up to children as old as 3 years [8].

Another 2022 study revealed that the highest percentage (14.6%) of parent-reported sleep regression occurred among infants that were 6 months of age [9].

You may read more research articles from the American Academy Pediatrics and other reputable organizations to learn more about sleep regression.

Sleep Regression FAQs

These are some questions that readers have been asking regarding sleep regression.

When Do Sleep Regressions Typically Occur in Babies and Toddlers?

Sleep regression often occurs in babies and toddlers at the ages of 4, 6, 8, 12, and 18 months. It can also happen among children as old as 2-3 years.

How Long Does Sleep Regression Usually Last?

A 4 month to an 18 month sleep regression typically lasts between 2-6 weeks. If it goes longer and is accompanied by symptoms like fever, lethargy, and unwillingness to eat, you should consult a doctor.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Sleep Regression and a Growth Spurt?

Some differences between the two are that a baby will resist going to sleep during sleep regression, while an infant may experience periods of unexpected napping and more overall sleep during a growth spurt [10]. What’s more, increased hunger accompanies growth spurts but doesn’t necessarily occur during sleep regression.

Does Sleep Regression Affect Naps as Well as Nighttime Sleep?

Yes, when sleep regression is ongoing, an infant’s sleep patterns will be affected both at night and during naps. Everything from frequent wakings to difficulty falling asleep is likely to happen across the board.

Is It Okay To Sleep Train During a Regression?

Yes, it is okay to sleep train during an infant sleep regression. After all, establishing good sleep habits can help an infant with sleep regression overcome their symptoms, whether it’s a 12 month sleep regression or more.

Sleep Regression: Conclusion

Sleep regression is when an infant experiences changing sleep patterns and parents are forced to cope.

These periods can last for several weeks at a time up to the age of about 2 years. Sleep regression generally passes, but if you’re struggling with the situation, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

Sweet dreams to you and your little one.