logo
0

Sleep Regression: Why My Baby Is Not Sleeping Deeply

Learn about sleep regression, its causes, and how to manage when your baby isn't sleeping deeply. Tips for better sleep.

article image

Dr. Thejaswini

At a glance

It is a temporary disruption in your baby's sleep pattern, often happening around 4 months of age.

Babies start experiencing adult-like sleep cycles with lighter phases, causing frequent awakenings.

Growth spurts and cognitive leaps can trigger sleep regressions.

Usually lasts about one to two weeks before settling back into normal patterns.

Consistent routines and a conducive sleep environment can help ease this phase.

In this article

  • What is Sleep Regression?
  • Signs of a Sleep Regression
  • Common Ages for Sleep Regressions
  • Causes of Sleep Regressions
  • How Long Do Sleep Regressions Last?
  • Strategies to Cope with Sleep Regressions
  • When to Seek Help
  • Key Takeaways

As a mother myself, I’ve been right where you are – wide awake at 3 a.m., feeling frustrated, exhausted, and wondering why your baby isn’t sleeping as peacefully as before. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents notice sleep regression at various stages of their baby's development. It can leave you feeling helpless and wondering, "Why is my baby not sleeping deeply?"

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is a period when a baby who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more frequently or struggling to fall asleep. For instance, my daughter would wake up crying multiple times a night when she was around 10 months old. It took a lot of holding, feeding, and soothing for her to go back to sleep. Hang in there; this is normal and temporary. It’s okay to lean into whatever feels right to help your baby through it.

Signs of a Sleep Regression

During a sleep regression, you may notice several changes in your baby's sleep patterns and behaviour. Some common signs include:

  • Shorter or skipped naps
  • Difficulty falling asleep at bedtime
  • Frequent night wakings
  • Increased fussiness or crankiness
  • Resisting usual sleep routines

Common Ages for Sleep Regressions

Just when you thought you had a sleep routine down, a new phase begins. Let’s look at when you can expect these interrupted nights of sleep.

  • 4-Month Sleep Regression: This is one of the most well-known periods of sleep regressions and is associated with a permanent change in your baby's sleep patterns.
  • 6-Month Sleep Regression: As babies become more mobile and start learning new skills like sitting up, their sleep may be disrupted.
  • 8-Month Sleep Regression: Separation anxiety and the development of crawling can contribute to sleep challenges at this age.
  • 10-Month Sleep Regression: Babies may experience sleep disruptions as they continue to master new physical skills and experience cognitive leaps.
  • 12-Month Sleep Regression: The transition to toddlerhood and the development of walking can lead to sleep difficulties.
  • 18-Month Sleep Regression: Toddlers may struggle with sleep as they assert their independence and experience separation anxiety.

While these are common ages for sleep regressions, every baby is unique, and your little one may experience sleep disruptions at different times. By staying attuned to your baby's needs and development, you'll be better prepared to navigate these challenging times together.

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

How Long Do Sleep Regressions Last?

The duration of sleep regressions can vary, but they typically persist for two to four weeks. The infamous 4-month sleep regression, for example, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the underlying causes such as cognitive or physical development, teething, or changes in routine.

The good news? With some patience and gentle routines, your baby will settle into a more restful rhythm soon.

Strategies to Cope with Sleep Regressions

Coping with sleep regressions isn’t easy, but here are some strategies that can make these times easier. Some of these worked wonders for my daughter, while others worked better with my son. So, it's likely that you will also have to find the right balance for your baby. Here are some of my suggestions.

Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine

One of the most effective ways to manage sleep regression is to maintain a consistent bedtime routine. This can include activities like a warm bath, changing into pyjamas, reading a bedtime story, or singing a lullaby. By establishing and sticking to a predictable routine, you help regulate your baby's sleep patterns and signal that it's time to wind down for the night.

Encourage Self-Soothing

Encouraging your baby to develop self-soothing skills can be beneficial during a sleep regression. Give your little one uninterrupted time during the day to practice new developmental milestones like rolling over or sitting up. This can reduce the likelihood of them practising these skills at night, which can disrupt their sleep. Additionally, allow your baby to learn to fall asleep independently on their own without relying on feeding, rocking, or other forms of assistance.

Adjust Nap Schedules

Adjusting your baby's nap schedule can help manage a sleep regression. Ensure your little one follows an age-appropriate schedule with enough awake time to build the necessary sleep pressure. For instance, around the 4-month sleep regression, babies typically need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night and several naps during the day. Tweaking bedtime or shifting (or dropping) a nap can help balance their sleep needs and improve nighttime sleep.

Provide Extra Comfort and Support

During a sleep regression, your baby may require extra comfort and support from you. Continue using soothing techniques such as nursing to sleep, rocking, or gently shushing your baby. While these methods may be temporary, they can provide much-needed comfort to your little ones as they adjust to new developmental changes. Additionally, ensure that the room is dark and quiet to avoid overstimulating your baby when they wake up during the night.

When to Seek Help

If your baby's sleep regression persists beyond the typical 2-6 weeks or if you have concerns about their sleep or overall health, it's crucial to seek help from a doctor. Signs that warrant medical attention include:

  • Persistent wake-ups
  • Changes in appetite
  • Signs of illness, such as fever or discomfort

Consulting with a pediatrician can help rule out any underlying health issues and provide guidance on managing sleep regressions effectively. Remember, you’re not alone, and reaching out can make a difference in navigating this phase.

Key Takeaways

  1. Sleep regression is a common phase where babies revert to earlier sleep patterns, often due to developmental milestones, neurodevelopmental maturation, or changes in routine.
  2. It typically lasts 2-6 weeks but can vary.
  3. Key signs include increased night waking, difficulty falling asleep, and shorter naps.
  4. Establishing consistent sleep routines, helping babies learn to self-soothe, and ensuring adequate nutrition can mitigate the impact of sleep regressions.
  5. Maintaining patience and consistency is crucial as babies adjust to new sleep patterns.

By understanding the causes and signs of sleep regression, you can better support your baby through this challenging phase and promote healthy sleep habits. Let's take it one night at a time.

Remember dear parents : " This too shall pass!" :)

FAQs

What is a sleep regression?

A sleep regression is a period when a baby who was previously sleeping well starts to wake up more often, resist sleep, or have difficulty falling asleep. These regressions typically occur around 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 18 months of age.

What are the signs of a 4-month sleep regression?

Some common signs of 4-month sleep regression include increased fussiness, multiple night wakings, shortened naps, and difficulty falling asleep. Your baby may also seem more clingy or irritable during the day.

How long does a sleep regression last?

The duration of a sleep regression can vary, but most last between 2 to 6 weeks. However, every baby is different, and some may experience shorter or longer periods of disrupted sleep.

What causes sleep regressions in babies?

Sleep regressions can be caused by various factors, including developmental milestones (rolling over, crawling, walking), teething, separation anxiety, growth spurts, and changes in routine or environment.

How can I help my baby during a sleep regression?

To help your baby during a sleep regression, maintain a consistent bedtime routine, create a calm sleep environment, offer extra comfort and reassurance, and avoid introducing new sleep habits. Be patient and remember that this is a temporary phase.