Is your child going through sleep regression?

As a child grows and develops, they may experience sleep regression. These periods of temporary sleep disruption can cause worry and anxiety in parents and caregivers, particularly when a baby or young child has been routinely sleeping well. However, sleep regressions are a common and expected part of normal development.

“Sleep regressions occur as part of an ongoing neurological and behavioral maturation, such as when they’re learning a new skill like walking or talking,” explains Dr. Ayelet Snow, a pediatric sleep medicine physician with Advocate Children’s Hospital. “They’re also common during periods of transitions or big changes, like starting school or the birth of a new sibling.”

Dr. Snow says sleep regressions can present in a variety of ways, including fighting naps and/or bedtimes, short or even skipped naps, overnight wakings, calling for parents and nighttime fears. And while there are certain ages and stages when sleep regressions are more common, they’re sometimes unpredictable.

“The good news when it comes to sleep regressions is they will pass,” Dr. Snow says. “These tend to last a few weeks, as long as you remain consistent with any successful nap and sleep routines that were already established. Try to avoid getting overly stressed – remaining relaxed is key to getting through those difficult periods.”

She offers the following advice for handling sleep regressions:

Stay consistent

Don’t make major changes to a child’s sleep, nap schedule or routines as a result of the regression. At the same time, allow for some flexibility as needed. Remember that as your child grows, their sleep needs change. In some cases, a slightly later bedtime may help increase the homeostatic sleep pressure and shorten sleep onset latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep. It may also be appropriate to consider whether your child is ready to drop their nap. These are all things to take into account.

Avoid bad habits

During sleep regressions, new habits may be unintentionally reinforced, strengthening sleep associations, such as a child relying on a parent’s presence to fall asleep. To avoid this, keep bedtime routines consistent and support your child in falling asleep, offering reassurance and sense of safety while gradually reducing assistance. For example, you might sit next to their bed as they fall asleep, rather than lying in bed with them. You can also apply this approach to nighttime awakenings.

Make sure they are tired

Similarly, ensure wake windows have enough activity in them. If your child is having active awake periods, they are more likely to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep when it’s time to rest.

Seek support

In some cases, ongoing illness or discomfort may contribute to sleep difficulties. This is when a consultation with a pediatric sleep specialist might be warranted.

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