Why Sleep Regressions Aren’t Regressions at All

Lacey Capshaw
18 hours ago
2 min read

If your baby was sleeping longer stretches and suddenly isn’t, it can feel unsettling. Parents often describe this moment as sleep “falling apart,” especially when nothing obvious has changed.

This experience is commonly called a sleep regression.

But in most cases, what’s happening is not a step backward. It’s development moving forward.

What Is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a period where a baby or young child begins waking more often, struggling to settle, or resisting sleep after a time of more predictable rest.

Despite the name, these phases are rarely true regressions. They usually reflect changes in brain development, sleep organization, or emotional awareness.

Sleep is adjusting to growth.

Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Sleep changes often show up when a child’s brain is learning something new.

Common reasons include:

Maturing sleep cycles
Increased awareness of surroundings
New motor skills like rolling, crawling, or walking
Growing attachment and separation awareness

During these periods, sleep can become lighter and more fragmented as the nervous system integrates new information.

When Do Sleep Regressions Typically Occur?

Sleep regressions don’t follow an exact schedule, but many families notice changes around similar ages.

Common windows include:

Around 4 months, when sleep cycles mature
Between 8 and 10 months, during motor and attachment development
Between 12 and 18 months, as mobility and independence grow
During toddlerhood, especially alongside language and emotional growth

Not every child experiences every phase, and the intensity varies widely.

How Long Do Sleep Regressions Last?

Most sleep regressions are temporary.

They often last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on:

The child’s temperament
The type of developmental change occurring
How supported the child feels during the shift

Sleep usually reorganizes once the body and brain settle into the new stage.

What Does a Child Need During a Sleep Regression?

During these periods, many children need more support rather than less.

This may look like:

Extra reassurance at night
More help settling back to sleep
A stronger bedtime routine
Increased closeness or responsiveness

Needing support during a sleep regression does not create bad habits. It supports regulation while the nervous system is under construction.

Can Responding During a Sleep Regression Make Sleep Worse?

This is a common fear, but research and experience suggest otherwise.

Responsive care during sleep disruptions helps children feel safe. Feeling safe supports regulation. Regulation supports sleep.

Withdrawing support too abruptly during vulnerable phases can increase stress, even if crying decreases.

What Helps Most During a Sleep Regression?

There is no single solution, but many families find steadiness by focusing on a few anchors:

Keeping bedtime routines predictable
Responding consistently and calmly
Adjusting expectations temporarily
Supporting rest for parents where possible

Sleep often improves again once the developmental wave passes.

To Sum it Up

Sleep regressions are usually signs of growth, not failure. They reflect a nervous system adapting to new skills and awareness. With gentle, responsive support, sleep typically reorganizes in time.