Why Does Sleep Regression Occur?

Maureen Howard
Nov 8 · 3 min read

As a new parent, you’re likely feeling the full effect of caring for your baby. Looking after your little bundle of joy means plenty of diaper changes, meal preparation, childproofing, and, of course, restless nights. It can be hard to be the best parent you can be when you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, but tending to your child is something you can’t ignore. If you’re wondering why your child is constantly waking up in the middle of the night or is unable to nap without throwing a fit, the reason is likely sleep regression. Sleep regression is a period of time where your child has trouble sleeping after previously sleeping well. This can be a grueling time for new parents, as they may struggle to cope with their baby’s inability to sleep soundly. However, it’s important to understand that sleep regression is a natural part of a child’s development and actually means they’re positively growing. In order to come to terms with the sleepless nights and groggy days that follow, you should know why sleep regression occurs in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons your child is having trouble with normal sleeping patterns.

Overstimulated During the Day

It’s hard to resist playing with your baby all day long while they’re awake. The joy of being a new parent is exhilarating, but you have to know that your baby doesn’t have the same stamina as you. Newborn babies need anywhere between 11–18 hours of sleep every day, which usually comes in the form of periodic naps. Make sure your child is getting enough rest throughout the day to ensure they sleep more soundly at night.

Potential Illness

A sudden change in your baby’s sleep behavior could mean that they’ve become ill. While a fever is easy to diagnose, illnesses such as minor colds and allergies can be hard to detect. If you have any reason to believe your baby is sick, err on the side of caution and take them to the doctor for a proper evaluation.

Outgrowing Naps

As your baby gets older, their nap schedule should be adjusted accordingly. Knowing when to stop swaddling your child and lay them down for the night isn’t easy. While you may not know the best way to stop swaddling and transition to a more regular sleep schedule, there are plenty of resources online that can assist you. Do some research to learn how often your child should be sleeping throughout the day. If you notice they’re having trouble staying asleep at night, it might be because they’ve been napping too frequently.

While it may not make those long nights any easier, it can be comforting to know your baby’s sleep regression is a result of natural cognitive growth. Every mental milestone your baby accomplishes may come with a sense of insecurity. Unfortunately, the healthy development of the brain can cause separation anxiety and abnormal sleep patterns in young children. While you may not enjoy waking up in the middle of the night to calm your baby down, it’s at least reassuring to know their sleep regression is a natural part of their healthy development.

If you want to provide your baby with a cozy, secure sleep environment, consider the best swaddle transition product, Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit. Click here now to shop for one for your baby.

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