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Sleep Disturbances at Various Ages in Infants

Struggling with baby's poor sleep? Could be sleep regression. Uncover typical sleep regression phases and reasons behind them.

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Sleep troubles in your little one? It could be sleep regression. Familiarize yourself with typical...
Sleep troubles in your little one? It could be sleep regression. Familiarize yourself with typical sleep regression ages and the reasons behind it.

Sleep Disturbances at Various Ages in Infants

Struggling with your baby's sleep might feel like an endless maze. Just when you manage to decode one pattern, a new challenge emerges – frequent nighttime awakenings. This phase is known as sleep regression, a common and perplexing hurdle during infancy.

To gain a better understanding of sleep regression, its causes, common stages, and coping strategies, read on.

Understanding Sleep Regression

Sleep regression refers to a sudden change in a baby's sleep patterns, often disrupting their slumber after previously sleeping soundly [1]. Babies going through sleep regression may have difficulty falling asleep at night or even during naps.

Sleep regressions are part of a baby's developmental milestones, most commonly observed at 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years of age [2].

The first sleep regression at 4 months is often triggered by developmental changes, teething, or growing pains [2].

Factors That Contribute to Sleep Regression

Although the exact cause remains unclear, several factors contribute to sleep regression:

  • Neurodevelopment and Maturation: As the brain grows more active, the increase in cognitive and physical abilities can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Separation Anxiety: Awareness of surroundings may lead to anxiety and difficulty self-soothing when caregivers are absent.
  • Changes in Routine: Moving to a new environment, starting daycare, traveling, or other disruptions can lead to sleep disturbances.

Common Sleep Regression Stages

Sleep regressions occur during a baby's early growth stages, starting from as early as 4 months to 2 years of age. Below are details about each stage:

4-month sleep regression

Babies experiencing 4-month sleep regression are undergoing rapid growth. As their sleep patterns shift towards more adult-like cycles, it may take time to adjust, leading to sleep regression [1][4].

8-month sleep regression

Crawling, teething, and separation anxiety are common at this stage, disrupting regular sleep patterns [2].

12-month sleep regression

As babies learn to stand or walk with support, they develop increased curiosity and may prioritize exploration over sleep. Changes in routine such as starting daycare or a new sleep schedule may also contribute to sleep disruptions.

18-month sleep regression

Increased autonomy and decision-making abilities can lead to a preference for play over sleep [3].

2-year sleep regression

Tantrums, expressing stronger wants and needs, and the beginning of potty training can cause sleep regression at 2 years [3].

Recognizing Sleep Regression

Sleep regression takes various forms:

  • Waking up frequently at night
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Resistance to naps or bedtime
  • Increased fussiness or irritability
  • Changes in appetite or mood

Managing Sleep Regression

To overcome the challenges posed by sleep regression, here are some strategies parents can employ:

  1. Implement a consistent sleep schedule to regulate the child's internal clock.
  2. Engage in calming activities like warm baths, reading bedtime stories, or listening to gentle music before bedtime.
  3. Create a comfortable sleep environment, ensuring the room is dark, quiet, and equipped with a comfortable mattress.
  4. Use white noise or soft music to mask disruptive sounds and help babies fall asleep.
  5. Practice patience and consistency, and stick to the established routines.

If sleep disruptions persist for over a month, consult a pediatrician. Additionally, seek professional help if you notice extreme irritability, excessive fatigue, difficulties focusing, signs of sleep apnea, or growth, development, or well-being issues.

Ultimately, remember that sleep regressions are temporary and an integral part of a baby's development. By following best practices and remaining patient, you can help your baby return to a stable sleep routine. If you're looking for tips, sleep sounds, or bedtime stories to promote better sleep, consider ShutEye, a sleep-tracking app that offers insights for improving your sleep.

[1] National Sleep Foundation: What's Normal for Sleep Patterns in a 4-Month-Old? (2021).

[2] The Sleep Authority: When Does Sleep Regression Happen and How Can I Get My Baby Back to Sleep? (2019).

[3] Baby Center: Sleep Regression - What is it and how to deal with it? (2013).

[4] American Academy of Sleep Medicine: Understanding Your Child's Sleep (2019).

[5] WebMD: 6-Month Sleep Regression – Why Is My Baby Waking Up? (n.d.).

  1. Despite aiming to tackle sleep issues, parents might encounter additional challenges, such as sleep apnea, due to their infants' growth spurts and development milestones.
  2. Furthermore, insomnia can be a symptom that families should watch out for during the sleep regression stages, particularly when the baby exhibits increased fussiness, irregular appetite, or inconsistent mood.
  3. To better address health-and-wellness concerns related to sleep regression, parents are advised to consult science-based resources and pediatricians, seeking guidance on appropriately managing sleep disruptions and ensuring their baby's overall well-being.

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