Frequent night waking in babies what does people mean by sleep regression

In those first months many families find their baby sleeps well, wakes predictably and everyone settles into a rhythm you can rely on at night too. You probably know the feeling when, in that lovely balance, everyone relaxes and it doesn’t cross your mind that things could change in a heartbeat.

Around four months there is often a phase when sleep shifts and the old pattern unravels. Your baby may wake far more often, even every half hour during the night. Some call this an “alvás beborulás” moment a temporary blip for some, while for others it can last for months because sleep patterns vary hugely between children. What is certain is that frequent waking is completely normal and part of healthy development.

The word regression suggests going back to an earlier, less developed state. Since frequent waking is not a step backwards but part of progress, the widely used phrase sleep regression is actually a misnomer.

What might be behind it 

There is still no solid scientific proof for specific “sleep regression” windows. Large enough studies have not yet provided firm evidence. In the animal world a similar phase has been observed around suckling, when the young feed more often and then move into a more independent stage. With humans this does not apply in the same way because we care for our children for a much longer period and independence comes far later.

By day, 2 to 4 month old babies are more alert. With so much stimulation some start taking less milk in daylight and then make up for it at night when it is calm.

Many families introduce formula around four months, which can alter digestion and routines.

Micro awakenings which adults also have, begin to appear between 4 and 6 months. This is a developmental step and perfectly natural. Babies wake, cry and may find it hard to resettle. Separation anxiety can also appear.

Gross motor skills take off and babies practise at night too rolling, pushing up on their arms.

Key stages in a baby’s sleep development 

Understanding the flow makes it easier to spot what is happening now and prepare for what is next. It helps you avoid unnecessary worry and recognise the natural steps in your baby’s growth.

• Newborn shallow sleep, micro awakenings, deep sleep, short and irregular cycles

• 1–2 months tummy aches may disturb, learning day versus night, importance of soothing bedtime routines, own sleep rhythm forming

• 3 months a basic sleep system emerges, night waking mainly to feed

• From 4 months sudden interest in lights and sounds, easily startled, micro awakenings appear, more frequent irregular wakes

• 5–12 months sleep tends to be more irregular

• 1–1.5 years daytime naps more regular and calm, occasional sleep glitches

• After 1.5 years overall quality improves, by 2 years deep sleep length matches an adult’s

What can we try 

Because these sleep bumps are part of development you cannot expect them to vanish for good. They ease off and may return. Still, most families like to try gentle ideas to help. Here are a few that often work.

Try more frequent daytime feeds 

If your baby has fuller feeds in the day, they are more likely to sleep longer and more peacefully at night. It will not always work because 5–6 month olds are easily distracted by the world and often cut feeds short.

Try different sleep positions 

We have written about sleep positions before. It is possible your baby simply sleeps better in another position.

Check the sleep environment 

Can you offer enough quiet, calm and darkness for sleep.
Is the humidity comfortable. Is your baby overheating. Is the outfit right.

If your little one is overdressed or in synthetic fabrics, they may overheat and feel clammy, which disturbs sleep. To avoid this choose natural fibres and use a sleeping bag.

LiaaBébé pieces are designed to solve these common niggles all at once. Our ultra soft bamboo bodysuits, sleepsuits and sleeping bags absorb better than cotton. The fabric is very stretchy and light and, with thermo regulating properties, it cools in summer and warms in winter.

Could lifestyle be the issue 

If a child eats a lot of refined carbs and sugary foods they can get wired and sleep restlessly. Avoid these in the afternoon and evening.

Daily fresh air and active play are essential. Without them behaviour can wobble and sleep can worsen.

Keep a daily routine the whole family follows. Predictability will calm the nights too.

Too much stimulation overloads the nervous system making babies irritable and restless at night. Excess screen time, back to back family events and noisy settings can all contribute.

Noticing emotional factors 

A baby’s sense of security is the pillar that allows them to relax. A new sibling, starting nursery or pushing potty training too early can all spark anxiety.

Health factors to consider 

There are many possible causes of unsettled sleep. Common ones include teething, ear discomfort or infection, enlarged adenoids causing snuffly breathing, reflux and tummy pain.

What do we tend to worry about 

Frequent waking is exhausting and naturally makes parents fear their child is not getting enough rest for brain development. That worry may come from the idea that growth happens most during sleep.

Sleep is indeed vital, but in these phases babies drop off again quickly and still get intense, sufficient rest. In short, during a frequent waking spell your baby can still sleep when tired and get the amount and quality of sleep they need. If there is an extra discomfort or health issue making it hard to settle, that of course needs attention.

Want to read more about changing sleep 

Because there is little high quality research, we do not have a large body of textbooks.

Hetty van de Rijt PhD – Frans Plooij PhD: A nyűgös baba presents the 10 developmental leaps in the first 20 months and touches on sleep changes. Knowing these phases helps you prepare and handle them more easily.

La Leche League’s Sweet Sleep is an English language book describing sleep changes by age, including the 3–4 month phase when many babies begin to wake more often. For sleep concerns you can also ask your health visitor, sleep specialists or paediatric services for support.

Sources:

NHS — Helping your baby sleep.

La Leche League GB — Breastfeeding at night.