Causes of Sleep Regressions
So what exactly causes these bouts of sleep regression and other sleep disturbances? Let's understand that.
Brain Maturation
One of the primary reasons behind sleep regression is your baby's rapidly developing brain. Around the 4-month mark, your little one's brain undergoes significant changes as they start to develop their true circadian rhythm. This can lead to lighter sleep cycles and increased wakefulness, explaining why your baby is not sleeping deeply. These brain developments can also cause the dreaded 12-month sleep regression due to heightened emotional and social awareness.
Skills Development
Is your baby learning to crawl, sit, stand, or walk? These exciting milestones can also contribute to baby sleep regression. As your little one focuses on mastering these new skills, they may become restless and overstimulated, making it harder to settle down for sleep. Separation anxiety, which often peaks around 12 months, can also impact sleep as your baby becomes more aware of their surroundings and your absence.
Sleep Associations
Have you ever rocked, nursed, or held your baby until they fell asleep? These are known as sleep associations, and when they're disrupted, it can lead to frequent wake-ups and difficulty falling back asleep. Creating a consistent bedtime routine and encouraging your baby to self-soothe can help prevent these associations from causing sleep regression.
Nap Transitions and Sleep Needs
As your baby grows, their sleep needs and nap schedules will change. These transitions can sometimes result in sleep regression, especially if your little one resists naps or struggles to adjust to a new routine. The 8-month sleep regression and 10-month sleep regression are often linked to nap transitions, while the 18-month sleep regression may be due to your toddler dropping their morning nap altogether.
Teething and Illness
Finally, physical discomfort from teething or illness can wreak havoc on your baby's sleep patterns. Teething, which usually starts between 6 months and one year, can cause pain and discomfort that leads to frequent wake-ups. Similarly, illnesses like colds, ear infections, or fevers can disrupt sleep due to congestion, coughing, or general discomfort. While these causes are temporary, they can still contribute to 6-month sleep regression and other sleep disturbances