Every parent dreads the dreaded 18-month sleep regression. It's a time when your sweet, sleepy toddler suddenly reverts to waking up multiple times at night, refusing to nap and generally being a cranky mess. Don't despair - this sleep regression is very common, and you can help your toddler get through it relatively easily. Keep reading to learn more about the 18-month sleep regression and how you can help your toddler navigate it successfully.
The 18-month sleep regression usually occurs between 18 and 24 months and is caused by a combination of developmental leaps and changes in sleep patterns. Toddlers' brains are developing rapidly during this period, causing them to be more active and alert at night. They also may be remembering new milestones that make them more alert during sleep, such as talking or walking. It’s also common for toddlers to drop a nap around this time, which can cause them to become overtired and have trouble sleeping at night.
Understanding the causes of the 18-month sleep regression is the first step in helping your toddler through it, but there are also several practical steps you can take to ease the transition. Let's explore some of these strategies in the next section.
18 Month Sleep Regression
Developmental changes, new skills, and routine disruptions can cause sleep regression.
- Increased brain activity
- Separation anxiety
- Teething discomfort
- Growth spurts
- Changes in routine
- New environmental stressors
- Napping changes
- Toddler's desire for independence
These factors can lead to sleep disruptions, including waking frequently at night, difficulty falling asleep, and early morning wakings.
Increased brain activity
During the 18-month sleep regression, toddlers' brains are developing rapidly, making them more active and alert at night.
- Neural connections:
Toddlers' brains are forming new neural connections at an incredible rate, which can lead to increased brain activity and difficulty settling down to sleep.
- Language development:
Many toddlers start speaking around 18 months, and this new skill can lead to excitement and difficulty winding down at bedtime.
- Imagination and creativity:
Toddlers' imaginations are also blossoming at this age, and they may be more likely to have vivid dreams or nightmares that disrupt their sleep.
- Physical development:
Toddlers are also becoming more mobile and independent at this age, which can lead to increased energy levels and a desire to explore their surroundings, making it harder to fall asleep.
All of these developmental changes can contribute to increased brain activity and sleep disruptions during the 18-month sleep regression.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common cause of sleep problems in toddlers, and it can be particularly pronounced during the 18-month sleep regression. At this age, toddlers are becoming more aware of their own individuality and their relationships with others, and they may start to worry about being separated from their parents or other loved ones.
This anxiety can manifest itself at bedtime in several ways. Toddlers may:
- Cry and protest when it's time for bed.
- Cling to their parents or other caregivers and refuse to let go.
- Call out for their parents or other caregivers during the night.
- Wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty falling back asleep.
Separation anxiety can make it very difficult for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to sleep disruptions and daytime crankiness.
To help your toddler cope with separation anxiety at bedtime, try the following:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine. This will help your toddler know what to expect and make them feel more secure.
- Create a calming bedtime environment. This means making sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
- Spend some time cuddling and talking with your toddler before bed. This will help them feel loved and connected to you.
- Reassure your toddler that you will be back soon if they wake up during the night. You can also try leaving a night light on or putting a favorite stuffed animal in their bed.
It's important to be patient and understanding with your toddler during this time. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development, and it will eventually pass. In the meantime, you can help your toddler cope with it and get the sleep they need.
Teething discomfort
Teething is another common cause of sleep problems in toddlers, and it can be particularly disruptive during the 18-month sleep regression. At this age, toddlers are typically getting their molars, which are the large teeth at the back of the mouth. Molars can be very painful to erupt, and the pain can make it difficult for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Teething discomfort can cause a variety of sleep problems in toddlers, including:
- Waking up frequently during the night.
- Crying and fussing at bedtime.
- Refusing to eat or drink.
- Drooling excessively.
- Chewing on objects.
- Irritability and crankiness.
If you think your toddler's sleep problems are being caused by teething discomfort, there are a few things you can do to help them cope:
- Give your toddler a teething ring or other chew toy to help soothe their gums.
- Massage your toddler's gums with a clean finger or a soft toothbrush.
- Apply a cold compress to your toddler's cheek or jaw.
- Give your toddler a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if they are old enough and it is recommended by your doctor.
Teething discomfort is usually temporary, and it will eventually pass. In the meantime, you can help your toddler cope with it and get the sleep they need.
Growth spurts
Growth spurts are another common cause of sleep problems in toddlers, including during the 18-month sleep regression. Growth spurts are periods of rapid growth, during which toddlers may gain weight and height quickly. These growth spurts can be very demanding on a toddler's body, and they can lead to a variety of sleep problems, including:
- Waking up more frequently during the night.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Nightmares.
- Increased night terrors.
- Increased sleepiness during the day.
Growth spurts can also cause toddlers to be more fussy and irritable, which can make it even harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with sleep problems caused by growth spurts. However, there are a few things you can do to help your toddler cope:
- Make sure your toddler is getting enough sleep. This may mean adjusting their bedtime or nap schedule.
- Create a calming bedtime routine. This will help your toddler relax and wind down before bed.
- Be patient and understanding. Growth spurts can be a challenging time for toddlers, and it's important to be patient and understanding with them.
Growth spurts are usually temporary, and they will eventually pass. In the meantime, you can help your toddler cope with them and get the sleep they need.
Changes in routine
Changes in routine can also disrupt a toddler's sleep, leading to the 18-month sleep regression. Toddlers thrive on routine, and any changes to their usual schedule can throw them off and make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Some common changes in routine that can cause sleep problems in toddlers include:
- Starting daycare or preschool.
- Traveling.
- Having a new baby in the family.
- Moving to a new house.
- Changes in bedtime or naptime.
If you have to make a change to your toddler's routine, try to do it gradually and give them plenty of time to adjust. You should also try to keep their bedtime and naptime as consistent as possible, even on weekends and holidays.
If your toddler is having trouble sleeping due to a change in routine, there are a few things you can do to help them cope:
- Talk to your toddler about the change and help them understand why it's happening.
- Create a new routine that is as close to the old routine as possible.
- Be patient and understanding. It may take your toddler some time to adjust to the new routine.
With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler adjust to changes in routine and get the sleep they need.
New environmental stressors
New environmental stressors can also trigger the 18-month sleep regression. These stressors can include anything that is new or unfamiliar to your toddler, such as:
- A new bedroom or bed.
- New furniture or decorations in their room.
- New noises or smells in the house.
- A new pet.
- A new babysitter or caregiver.
Even positive changes, such as moving to a new house or having a new baby in the family, can be stressful for toddlers and disrupt their sleep.
If you think your toddler's sleep problems are being caused by a new environmental stressor, there are a few things you can do to help them cope:
- Talk to your toddler about the change and help them understand why it's happening.
- Make the change as gradual as possible.
- Create a safe and comfortable environment for your toddler to sleep in.
- Be patient and understanding. It may take your toddler some time to adjust to the new change.
With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler cope with new environmental stressors and get the sleep they need.
Napping changes
Around 18 months, many toddlers start to drop their second nap of the day. This is a normal developmental change, but it can disrupt their sleep and lead to the 18-month sleep regression.
- Dropping the second nap too early. If your toddler is still tired at naptime, but you drop the second nap too early, they may become overtired and have trouble falling asleep at bedtime.
- Inconsistent nap schedule. If your toddler's nap schedule is inconsistent, it can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep at naptime and bedtime.
- Too much or too little sleep during the day. If your toddler sleeps too much or too little during the day, it can interfere with their nighttime sleep.
- Napping in a stimulating environment. If your toddler naps in a noisy or bright room, it can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
If you think your toddler's sleep problems are being caused by napping changes, there are a few things you can do to help them cope:
- Gradually drop the second nap. If your toddler is still tired at naptime, but you think they're ready to drop the second nap, try gradually shortening the nap by 15-20 minutes every few days.
- Create a consistent nap schedule. Put your toddler down for naps at the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays.
- Make sure your toddler is getting the right amount of sleep during the day. Most toddlers need 1-2 hours of sleep during the day.
- Create a calming naptime environment. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
Toddler's desire for independence
Toddlers' desire for independence can also contribute to the 18-month sleep regression. At this age, toddlers are starting to assert their independence and they may want to do things for themselves, including going to bed and falling asleep. This can lead to power struggles at bedtime and difficulty getting your toddler to cooperate.
Here are some tips for dealing with your toddler's desire for independence at bedtime:
- Give your toddler choices. Whenever possible, give your toddler choices at bedtime. For example, you could let them choose which pajamas they want to wear or which book you read to them.
- Let your toddler help with the bedtime routine. Toddlers love to help out, so let them help you with the bedtime routine. For example, you could let them help you brush their teeth or put on their pajamas.
- Set limits and boundaries. While it's important to give your toddler choices and let them help out, it's also important to set limits and boundaries. For example, you need to make it clear that your toddler needs to stay in their bed until you come to get them in the morning.
- Be patient and understanding. It takes time for toddlers to learn how to cooperate with the bedtime routine. Be patient and understanding, and eventually your toddler will learn to go to bed and fall asleep without a fuss.
Remember, the 18-month sleep regression is a temporary phase. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler through it and get the sleep they need.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 18-month sleep regression:
Question 1: What is the 18-month sleep regression?
Answer 1: The 18-month sleep regression is a temporary period of sleep disruption that typically occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. During this time, toddlers may experience difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, and early morning awakenings.
Question 2: What causes the 18-month sleep regression?
Answer 2: The 18-month sleep regression is caused by a combination of developmental changes and changes in sleep patterns. Toddlers' brains are developing rapidly during this time, which can lead to increased brain activity and difficulty settling down to sleep. They may also be remembering new milestones that make them more alert during sleep, such as talking or walking. Additionally, toddlers may be dropping a nap around this time, which can cause them to become overtired and have trouble sleeping at night.
Question 3: How long does the 18-month sleep regression last?
Answer 3: The 18-month sleep regression typically lasts for 2-6 weeks, but it can vary from child to child. Some toddlers may experience a shorter or longer regression, and some may not experience it at all.
Question 4: What can I do to help my toddler through the 18-month sleep regression?
Answer 4: There are a number of things you can do to help your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression, including:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
- Create a calming bedtime environment.
- Avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed.
- Be patient and understanding.
Question 5: When should I be concerned about my toddler's sleep?
Answer 5: If your toddler's sleep problems are severe or persist for more than a few weeks, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your toddler's sleep problems and recommend additional strategies to help your toddler sleep better.
Question 6: What are some tips for preventing the 18-month sleep regression?
Answer 6: While there is no surefire way to prevent the 18-month sleep regression, there are a few things you can do to make it less likely to occur, including:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine early on.
- Create a calming bedtime environment.
- Avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed.
- Be patient and understanding.
Remember, the 18-month sleep regression is a temporary phase. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler through it and get the sleep they need.
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression:
Tip 1: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
A consistent bedtime routine helps your toddler know what to expect and makes it easier for them to wind down and fall asleep. Your bedtime routine should include a relaxing activity, such as taking a bath or reading a book, followed by a quiet time in their bedroom. Avoid screen time and other stimulating activities in the hour before bed.
Tip 2: Create a calming bedtime environment.
Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You may also want to use a white noise machine or fan to help block out noise. Avoid using night lights, as these can interfere with sleep.
Tip 3: Avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed.
Caffeine and sugar can both interfere with sleep. Avoid giving your toddler caffeinated drinks, such as soda or tea, and sugary foods, especially in the hours before bed.
Tip 4: Be patient and understanding.
The 18-month sleep regression is a temporary phase. It's important to be patient and understanding with your toddler during this time. Avoid getting frustrated or angry, as this will only make things worse. Instead, stay calm and supportive, and continue to offer your toddler comfort and reassurance.
Remember, the 18-month sleep regression will eventually pass. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler through it and get the sleep they need.
Conclusion
The 18-month sleep regression is a temporary period of sleep disruption that typically occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. It is caused by a combination of developmental changes and changes in sleep patterns. While the 18-month sleep regression can be challenging for parents and toddlers alike, it is important to remember that it is temporary. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler through it and get the sleep they need.
Here are some key points to remember about the 18-month sleep regression:
- It is a normal developmental phase.
- It is caused by a combination of developmental changes and changes in sleep patterns.
- It typically lasts for 2-6 weeks, but can vary from child to child.
- There are a number of things you can do to help your toddler through it, including maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calming bedtime environment, and avoiding giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed.
- It is important to be patient and understanding during this time.
Remember, the 18-month sleep regression will eventually pass. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler through it and get the sleep they need.