When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?

Watching their child grow and develop is an incredible experience for any parent.

However, along with the joys of milestones and achievements, you may encounter some challenges, particularly regarding sleep.

If your 18-month-old, who was once a champion sleeper, suddenly starts waking up frequently at night or resisting naps, you may be experiencing a sleep regression.

These temporary disruptions in sleep patterns are common in young children and can leave parents feeling exhausted and frustrated.

This article will explore the causes and relevant sleep regression signs in an 18-month-old and, most importantly, how to navigate these challenging periods while maintaining your sanity.

Understanding the nature of sleep regressions and implementing some practical strategies can help your child (and yourself) get through this phase and back to a more restful routine.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

What is a Sleep Regression?

A sleep regression is a period when a child who was previously sleeping well begins to experience disruptions in their sleep patterns.

During a regression, children may wake up more often at night, have difficulty falling asleep, or resist naps altogether.

Sleep regressions are normal parts of child development and usually coincide with major milestones, such as learning to walk or talk.

When Do Sleep Regressions Occur?

Sleep regressions can happen at various ages, but some of the most common times include:

– 4 months old
– 6 months old
– 8-10 months old 
– 12 months old
– 18 months old
– 2 years old

While not every child will experience a sleep regression at each age, it is helpful to be aware of when it may occur so you can be prepared.

Signs of an 18-Month Sleep Regression

At around 18 months old, many children experience sleep regression due to several developmental changes happening at once.

Some signs that your 18-month-old may be going through a sleep regression include:

1. Waking up More Frequently at Night

During an 18-month sleep regression, your child may start waking up more often throughout the night.

This can be due to various factors, such as teething discomfort, separation anxiety, or the desire to practice newly acquired skills like walking or talking.

Your child may cry out for you or require more comfort and reassurance to fall back asleep.

These frequent night wakings can be exhausting for you and your child, but they are a normal part of the regression process.

2. Difficulty Falling Asleep at Bedtime

At around 18 months old, your child may start to resist going to bed or have difficulty falling asleep.

This can manifest as crying, clinging, or requesting more stories or songs before bed.

Your child may also try negotiating for later bedtimes or prolonging the bedtime routine.

This resistance to sleep can be frustrating, but it is important to remain consistent with your child’s bedtime routine and schedule to help them learn healthy sleep habits.

3. Resisting or Skipping Naps

During a sleep regression, your 18-month-old may fight against taking naps or skipping them altogether.

This can be especially challenging if your child was previously a good napper. They may resist being put down for a nap, wake up early from naps, or refuse to nap.

This resistance to napping can lead to an overtired child struggling to fall asleep at bedtime.

It is important to continue offering naps at consistent times and creating a calming nap environment to encourage rest.

4. Increased Fussiness or Clinginess During the Day

Because sleep patterns are disrupted during a regression, your 18-month-old may become more fussy or clingy during the day.

They may require more attention and comfort from you as they navigate the challenges of poor sleep.

This fussiness can manifest as temper tantrums, whining, or a general need for more physical contact and reassurance.

It is important to offer extra patience and understanding while maintaining consistent boundaries and routines.

5. Regression in Previously Mastered Skills

During a sleep regression, you may notice that your 18-month-old seems to regress in previously mastered skills, such as self-soothing or falling asleep independently.

This regression can frustrate parents who have worked hard to establish healthy sleep habits.

However, it is a normal part of the regression process and does not mean your child has lost these skills forever.

Encourage your child to use their self-soothing techniques and remain consistent with your sleep training methods, even if it seems like a setback.

If you notice any of these signs in your 18-month-old, it may indicate they are experiencing sleep regression.

Tips for Managing an 18-Month Sleep Regression

While sleep regressions can be frustrating for both children and parents alike, there are several strategies you can use to help manage them:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine: Maintain a predictable bedtime routine that includes calming activities like baths, storytime, and cuddles. This consistency helps signal your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, even during a regression.
• Create a calm sleep environment: To promote sleep, keep your child’s bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. If necessary, use a white noise machine or blackout curtains, and remove any distractions or stimulating toys from the room.
• Offer extra comfort and reassurance: During a sleep regression, your child may need more physical and emotional support from you. Offer extra cuddles, soothing words, and physical presence to help them feel secure and loved as they navigate this challenging period.
• Avoid introducing new sleep habits or crutches: Resist the temptation to introduce new ones, such as rocking or feeding your child to sleep, during a regression. These new habits can be difficult to break later on and may prolong the regression.
• Be patient and know that this is temporary. Sleep regressions are a normal part of child development and will eventually pass. Stay patient, consistent, and loving toward your child, even on difficult days. Trust that with time and consistency, your child will return to better sleep patterns.

Remember, sleep regressions are a normal part of child development and will eventually pass with time and consistency.

Conclusion

Sleep regressions are common in young children and often occur around 18 months old due to various developmental changes.

Signs of an 18-month sleep regression may include more frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, resistance to naps, increased fussiness during the day, and regression in previously mastered skills.

While challenging, parents can navigate sleep regressions by sticking to consistent routines, creating a calm sleep environment, offering comfort and reassurance, avoiding new sleep habits, and being patient.

Remembering that sleep regressions are temporary and will pass with time is important.

If you have concerns about your child’s sleep or feel that their sleep issues persist for a few weeks, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician for guidance.

You and your child will get through this sleep regression together with a little understanding and patience.