Sleep Science
The 4-Month Sleep Regression: Survival Guide
Your baby isn't 'broken'. Their sleep cycles are maturing.
Robeen Sleep Expert
Sleep Science Team
October 22, 2023 6 min read
Key Takeaways
- The 4-month regression is actually a progression in sleep maturity.
- Baby's sleep cycles are reorganizing to adult-like patterns.
- This is the perfect time to introduce healthy sleep associations.
- It typically lasts 2-6 weeks before improving.
Why 4 Months?
Around 4 months of age, your baby's sleep architecture undergoes a permanent change. They transition from newborn sleep cycles (only 2 stages) to adult-like sleep cycles (4-5 stages). This is actually a sign of healthy brain development.
Signs of the Regression
- Frequent night wakings: Baby who slept 6-hour stretches now wakes every 2 hours.
- Short naps: 45-minute naps become the norm as baby wakes between cycles.
- Difficulty falling asleep: Previous sleep associations stop working.
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