What's Really Happening During the 8-Month Sleep Regression And How to Fix It

Life with a baby is anything but predictable. One week, you think you’ve finally figured out feeding and diaper changes, and the next week, everything changes. Sleep, especially, has a way of falling apart right when you feel like you’ve gotten into a good rhythm. That’s what usually happens during a sleep regression, a temporary phase when your baby’s sleep suddenly gets a little messy.

One of the most common times families experience disrupted sleep is around the 8-month mark. If your baby suddenly starts waking more at night, fights naps or needs extra comfort to fall asleep, you’re likely in the middle of the 8-month sleep regression.

Keep reading to learn more about the 8-month sleep regression, why it happens, and what you can do to help you and your baby get better sleep again.

What is a sleep regression?

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, babies 4 to 12 months old need between 12 and 16 hours of sleep. A sleep regression is a temporary phase when a baby who was sleeping relatively well suddenly starts having a harder time with sleep. That might look like more night wakings, shorter naps, refusing naps altogether, or fighting bedtime. “During the first year of life, babies are rapidly developing new motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social awareness,” says Daniela Otero, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. “As the brain processes these changes, sleep can temporarily become more disrupted.”

Even though the term “sleep regression” is commonly used, Otero prefers to think of these phases as leaps forward. The word regression can make it sound like something is going wrong, when in reality, the opposite is often true. These sleep changes are actually a sign that a baby’s brain and body are developing exactly as they should.

Is there an 8-month sleep regression? (Spoiler: it’s real for many, but is usually about separation anxiety and new mobility)

In the newborn stage, babies sleep most of the day, typically around 14 to 17 hours in 24 hours.  But even though they’re sleeping often, it rarely happens in long stretches. Newborn sleep is usually broken up into several short naps because their internal body clock hasn’t fully developed yet. “As babies grow, their sleep gradually becomes more organized as the circadian rhythm becomes established and melatonin production begins to reach its peak,” says Otero. Because of this shift, babies begin to sleep less during the day, and nighttime sleep lengthens.

But around 8 months, big developmental changes can temporarily shake things up again. Many babies are learning to crawl, pulling themselves up to stand, teething, and moving around with much more intention. Suddenly, the world is bigger, and they want to explore all of it. Their brains are also incredibly busy at this stage. Babies are curious about absolutely everything. They’ll start understanding simple games like peekaboo or hide-and-seek, and start to play more intentionally.

Another developmental change at this stage is object permanence. “This is the understanding that a [an] parent exists even when they are no longer visible,” says Otero. “This can lead to increased separation anxiety, which may show up as more protests at bedtime or more frequent night wakings.” While separation anxiety is completely normal at this stage, it can make it harder to leave your baby in their crib for naps or at bedtime. You might also notice that your baby is clingier and more anxious to be away from you.

When it comes to teething, many babies cut their first tooth around 8 months, which can lead to painful gums, irritability, fussiness, and discomfort, all of which can make it more difficult for your baby to settle down and fall asleep.

How long does the 8-month sleep regression last?

Like most sleep regressions, the 8-month regression can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. As your baby becomes more comfortable with their new skills, their sleeping patterns begin to normalize. Otero recommends practicing their new skills during the day so they gain confidence while they’re awake, so they’re less likely to rehearse those skills at night.

Every baby hits these developmental sleep bumps a little differently. What you’re seeing might technically be a 9-month sleep regression or a 10-month sleep regression, but they generally fall around the 8-month mark.

Signs it’s not a “regression” at all (and what it likely is)

If sleep disruptions last longer than about two weeks, you can start to explore other possible factors, such as:

• Illness: If your baby is sick, they’re probably not getting good quality zzz’s. This can affect their nap schedule and waking hours, too.
• Schedule change: Babies thrive on routine, and small shifts can throw off their sleep. Dropping a nap, starting solid foods, or beginning daycare are all common reasons sleep might get more challenging. If your baby has recently experienced a schedule change, they may need some time to adjust.

Practical ways to get sleep back on track (without starting from scratch)

When your baby goes through a sleep regression, there’s no need to completely overhaul their routine, schedule, or sleep habits. “Creating new sleep habits for something that will pass can sometimes lead to bigger sleep challenges later,” says Otero. Instead, keep these tips in mind to help get sleep back on track for the whole family:

• Keep consistent wake times, naps, and bedtime routines to help signal that it’s time to wind down for sleep.
• Practice new skills during the day to prevent your baby from practicing them at bedtime (like crawling or pulling to stand).
• Maintain healthy sleep habits, like keeping the room dark, quiet, and cool.
• Expose your baby to natural light during the day to help regulate their internal clock and to support melatonin production.
• Teach your baby independent sleep skills.

When to talk to your pediatrician

If your baby seems unusually uncomfortable or in pain, or if sleep keeps getting worse, it’s a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician. They can help figure out what’s going on and guide you on the best ways to support your baby’s sleep.

Caring for yourself while you care for your baby

When your baby isn’t sleeping well, chances are neither are you. Stress and frustration can build quickly, so it’s important to carve out ways to care for yourself. Here are some ideas:

• Share night duties with a partner or a support person so that everyone can get a longer stretch of sleep.
• Sneak in daytime rest when possible.
• Ask for help with meals, groceries, or errands, so you have less on your plate.
• Protect your own sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent wind-down and bedtime routine.
• Make it a goal to get sunlight exposure during the day.
• Do things that make you happy (like a manicure, massage or workout class) to help you recharge.

The bottom line

Sleep regression in babies is normal, and if you’re going through it at the 8-month mark, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is that it’s temporary, and sleep will start to stabilize again, usually sooner than you think. You’ve got this.

Experts

Daniela Otero, M.S.Ed., Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Founder, The Happy Firsts