Sleep Regression is Real – And as a Parent, It’s the Worst!
If your kid isn’t sleeping well, then you aren’t sleeping well! Any parent who has experienced sleep regression knows the pain of those sleepless nights and exhausted mornings. Just when you think you’ve got a good routine down, your little one decides that sleep is overrated and suddenly, it’s party time all night long.
So, what can you do to minimize sleep regression? While there’s no magic fix, there are a few strategies that can help make the process a little less painful.
1. Look for Sleepy Cues
One of the best ways to avoid sleep regression is to put your child to bed before they become overtired. Look for subtle signs that they’re getting sleepy—like rubbing their eyes, yawning, or slowing down. Atlas, for example, might rub his eyes or let out a big yawn when he’s ready for bed… although he’d never admit it! In his mind, it’s party mode all the time. Catching those cues early can help prevent a meltdown and make bedtime a smoother process.
2. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Children thrive on routine, and having a predictable bedtime sequence can help them settle in for the night. For Atlas, the bedtime routine is: Dinner, Poop, Bath, Book, and Sleep. Having these familiar steps signals to his brain that it’s time to wind down. Whatever routine works for your family, consistency is key.
3. Ensure Your Child is Getting Enough Sleep
Lack of daytime sleep can lead to nighttime sleep struggles. If your child isn’t napping enough during the day, they may become overtired and have difficulty settling down at night. Atlas, for instance, needs a two-hour nap during the day. If he misses it, he’ll crash at 6:30 PM, wake up at 7:30 PM, and then it’s party time until midnight! Making sure your child gets the right amount of sleep during the day can prevent this vicious cycle.
4. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A dark, quiet, and cool room can make a big difference in how well your child sleeps. White noise machines, blackout curtains, and comfortable pajamas can all contribute to a better night’s rest. If your child is struggling with sleep regression, checking their sleep environment might be a good place to start.
5. Be Patient – This Too Shall Pass
Sleep regression is temporary, even though it may feel never-ending in the moment. It usually happens around developmental milestones, so it’s a sign that your little one is growing and learning. Stay consistent, be patient, and remember: you’re not alone in this!
Final Thoughts
Sleep regression is one of the toughest parts of parenting, but with a little patience, consistency, and an understanding of your child’s sleep needs, you can navigate through it. Look for sleepy cues, stick to a routine, ensure enough daytime sleep, and create a comfortable sleep environment to help minimize the impact. And most importantly—know that eventually, everyone will sleep again!
References
- Mindell, J. A., & Williamson, A. A. (2018). “Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: A literature review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, 40, 93-108.
- Henderson, J. M. T., France, K. G., Owens, J. L., & Blampied, N. M. (2010). “Sleeping through the night: The consolidation of self-regulated sleep across the first year of life.” Pediatrics, 126(5), e1081-e1087.
- Sadeh, A., Tikotzky, L., & Scher, A. (2010). “Childhood sleep problems and parental sleep: A longitudinal study.” Sleep, 33(5), 621-628.
- Galland, B. C., Taylor, B. J., Elder, D. E., & Herbison, P. (2012). “Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: A systematic review of observational studies.” Sleep Medicine, 13(9), 1144-1154.
