Sleep Regressions: What They Are and How to Combat Them

As a pediatric sleep consultant, I often receive calls from parents who are concerned about their child’s sleep habits. One of the most common reasons for this is sleep regressions. If you’re a parent of a young child, you’ve likely heard the term “sleep regression,” but may not fully understand what it means or how to deal with it. In this post, I’ll discuss what sleep regressions are and provide some tips on how to combat them.

What are Sleep Regressions?

Sleep regressions are periods when a child who previously slept well starts waking up more often or experiencing other sleep disturbances. These regressions can happen at various stages of a child’s development, but they are most common at 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, and 18 months. These stages are known as “developmental leaps,” where a child’s brain and body are growing and changing rapidly. This can cause temporary disruptions in sleep patterns.

How to Combat Sleep Regressions

1. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it’s time for sleep. This can include a warm bath, reading a book, and singing a lullaby.
2. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: A consistent sleep schedule is crucial for helping your child develop healthy sleep habits. Try to keep naps and bedtime at the same time every day.
3. Encourage self-soothing: Encouraging your child to self-soothe can help them fall back asleep on their own and stay asleep. I suggest providing temporary assistance if it’s a regression due to illness or teething.
4. Avoid over-stimulation: Over-stimulation, especially close to bedtime, can lead to difficulty falling asleep. Try to limit screen time and exciting activities close to bedtime. A quiet time activity to wind down like coloring, listening to a story or music can be a better option before bed.
5. Be patient: Remember, sleep regressions are temporary. With patience and consistency, your child’s sleep habits will improve.

Sleep regressions are a common part of a child’s development, but they can be frustrating for parents. By sticking to a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, encouraging self-soothing, avoiding over-stimulation, and being patient, you can help your child through these temporary disruptions in sleep. If you’re struggling with your child’s sleep habits, schedule a free sleep assessment call with me here.