Why Sleep Regression Occurs and How to Overcome It
Sleep Regression: Why Babies Suddenly Stop Sleeping and How to Handle It
Every parent wishes for their child to sleep well. After several weeks or months of finally setting some sort of routine, an unpleasant surprise may come: a baby who used to sleep peacefully for six hours straight suddenly wakes up every hour. What happened? One of the most common reasons for these unexpected changes is sleep regression.
What Sleep Regression Is and Why It Happens
Sleep regression is a completely natural developmental milestone in a child's life. It is a period during which, due to intense brain and body development, the previous sleep pattern is disrupted. The child wakes up more often, has trouble falling asleep, and overall, their sleep is more restless.
This phase can be challenging not only for children but also for parents. It is important to realize that sleep regression is not a problem that needs to be "fixed." It is a sign that the child is developing correctly. It is not a parenting mistake or a sign that parents have neglected something.
Sleep regressions typically occur at several age periods, most commonly around the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th month of life.
Sleep Regression at 3 Months: The First Test of Patience
Around the third month, many children begin to change their sleep structure. A newborn who transitioned between light and deep sleep very quickly starts to develop sleep cycles similar to those of adults. Each cycle now lasts about 60 minutes and ends with a brief awakening.
If the child is not yet able to fall back asleep on their own, they may wake up more often. It is not uncommon for night sleep and daytime naps to worsen during this period. Parents often describe that their child suddenly sleeps for shorter periods, wakes up crying, and is difficult to put back to sleep.
An example is little Emma, who slept six hours straight until she was three months old. Suddenly, she started waking up every two hours, and her mother felt like she had gone back to the very beginning. In reality, it was a normal sleep regression that resolved itself within a few weeks.
Sleep Regression at 4 Months
The four-month sleep regression is considered one of the most significant. Unlike the one at three months, it brings a permanent change in the sleep pattern. The child will never sleep like a newborn again – their sleep is now divided into light and deep stages, and each transition between phases can mean a brief awakening.
This period often comes hand in hand with other developmental leaps, such as improved hand-eye coordination or the first attempts to roll over onto the stomach. The child's brain is more active than ever, which is reflected in their sleep needs.
Parents should support independent falling asleep during this phase and try to establish predictable routines – for example, bathing, feeding, and putting to bed in the same order. Routine gives children a sense of security, helping them better cope with changes.
Sleep Regression at 6 Months
Around the sixth month, another wave of sleep problems occurs. The child learns to sit, crawl, and explores the world in new ways. These new skills cause the child's brain to work at full speed, which can disrupt their sleep pattern.
The baby may wake up at night because they want to "practice" a new skill, like eagerly attempting to crawl in the crib. Some children may also be disturbed by emerging teeth or separation anxiety, which starts to appear at this age.
It is important to stay calm and provide the child with plenty of opportunities for movement during the day. This will improve the quality of their night sleep. If the child wakes up at night, often a gentle reassurance is enough without having to take them out of the crib.
Sleep Regression at 8 Months
The eight-month sleep regression is largely associated with separation anxiety. The child realizes they are a separate being from the parent, and this realization can trigger fear of abandonment.
The result is often that the child refuses to sleep alone, protests against being put in the crib, and wakes up crying at night. This state is perfectly normal and usually does not last forever.
During such a period, it is crucial to be sensitive to the child and strengthen their sense of security. A short reassurance, a gentle touch, or a calm word may be enough to help the child fall back asleep. Some parents help by leaving a shirt with their scent in the crib.
How to Handle Sleep Regression Without Unnecessary Stress
For many parents, sleep regression is frustrating. However, there are ways to endure this period with less stress:
- Maintain a routine: Children love predictability. The same evening ritual helps them feel safe.
- Ensure the child gets enough sleep during the day: An overtired baby falls asleep much harder.
- Allow the child to fall asleep independently: If they learn to fall asleep on their own, they will calm down more easily at night.
- Be patient: Regressions are temporary. They usually last 2 to 6 weeks.
- Take care of yourself: A tired parent finds it difficult to handle challenging nights. If possible, take turns caring for the child or rest during the day.
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As renowned child psychologist Harvey Karp says: "A happy child is a well-rested child. And a happy parent is one who knows that even the worst nights will end one day."
Sleep regressions are challenging, but they are also proof that the child is growing and developing as they should. Each of these phases ends and brings new skills and joyful moments. Even when it seems at night that the difficult period will never end, the child's morning smile shows that all the effort was worth it.
