Does Sleep Regression Really Exist Or Is It Something Else?

Regression is widely discussed in sleep support for babies. A lot of the time it is considered a bad term to use when your baby's bedtime is not as it was before. Parents often don’t understand how to deal with this change which can be challenging to them. Breaking down the idea of 'sleep regression' and how its association with development can help parents understand it better. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE IDEA "SLEEP REGRESSION"?

Sleep regression is when bedtime is no longer bedtime but a battle between you and your baby trying to send them to dreamland. The sleep and nap hours are short and you are unable to figure out why. Sleep regression results to:

• Restless sleep

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Fussiness when it comes to sleep

• Frustration and a strained relationship

Sleep regression in scientific terms is "temporal disruption in sleeping patterns that impact the baby for growth and development."

SLEEP REGRESSION ≠ A NEGETIVE PHASE IN THE BABIES SLEEP.

It signifies growth and development of your baby.

Parents with their baby.

WHAT CAUSES SLEEP REGRESSION?

There are 2 things associated with sleep regression which is Development Leaps and Environmental and Growth Changes.

Development Leaps is a natural process of growth that your baby will experience as they are developing. There are things that are rapidly changing that affect sleep and how they respond to it.

WHAT CHANGES:

• Perceptions (Sensory Development)

• Behaviors

• Physical milestones (teething, walking)

• Neurology (Brain) and Mental thinking

Growth and Environmental Changes are grouped together because they are inseparable. As development leaps occur they change the way your baby responds to the environment and the soothing techniques that you would usually use are rejected.

WHAT CHANGES:

• Sleep independency (shorter naps and sleep intervals)

• Response to environment (noise, air, temperature)

• Security (association with the environment)

• Routines

The changes will cause disruption to sleeping patterns and sleep quality.

'DOES SLEEP REGRESSION REALLY EXIST OR IS IT SOMETHING ELSE?"

The answer is yes and it is not a bad phase in your babies growth but it is what they experience for growth and it is considered a sign of a healthy baby. Navigating them will be a challenge which is why understanding them and how you can ease in to the process is important.

FEW TIPS THAT HELP:

• Flexibility

• Patience

• Offer comfort and security

• Consult a professional

The first 20 months of the babies life is when they experience sleep regression and understanding the main reason it happens will help you understand and navigate their sleep better.

ACTIVITIES THAT HELP THE PROCESS

• Nature Walks Barefoot

• Nursery Rhymes

• Rocking

• Using Noise (White or Pink Noise)

• Playing with texture before sleep (Playdoh, Toys)

  
  

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