The Truth Parents NEED to Know about the Four Month Sleep Regression
The four month sleep regression - words to send shivers down the spine of any parent!
But does it deserve the bad press it receives? While the phrase may sound alarming, it's crucial to view the four-month sleep regression as a natural and temporary phase in a baby's development rather than a problematic event. With the emphasis on phase!
At four months there is a hive of activity in your baby as their brain and body develops quickly. Sooo much is changing - developmentally, socially and physically for them. All this makes for the perfect storm with sleep quite often being a casualty!
Reframing the Four Month Sleep Regression
Now let’s look at the term - sleep regression. I am not a fan of this word ‘regression’ as it suggests a backward step in your baby's development. - losing skills. Of course this is not the case. But I suppose if you see sleep getting worse and consequently you’re not getting much sleep, you will feel it is regressing! Rather than considering it a regression, it might be more accurate to view it as a progression or maturation of your baby's sleep habits. Hopefully understanding that these changes are part of your baby’s natural development process will help you approach the situation with less anxiety.
A Closer Look at Sleep Stages
To comprehend the changes, let's delve into the different stages of sleep. Sleep is divided into two main types: REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep, each with distinct characteristics.
NREM Sleep
Stage 1
This is the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It lasts only a few minutes, and during this time, you may experience light sleep.
Stage 2
Slightly deeper than Stage 1, Stage 2 is still a light sleep stage.
Stage 3
Slow-wave sleep (SWS) or deep sleep.
REM Sleep
REM sleep is characterised by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams.
Newborns have shorter sleep cycles, around 30-40 minutes, with a higher proportion of time spent in REM sleep.
Maturation of Baby Sleep Cycles
Around three months, your baby's circadian rhythm synchronises with day and night, and their ability to produce melatonin (the sleep hormone) advances. The sleep cycle matures from a simple pattern to a sophisticated, multi-stage one. This transition is marked by changes in the sequence of sleep stages, resembling an adult's sleep cycle.
Signs of the Four-Month Sleep Regression
The four-month sleep regression/progression can manifest in various ways:
Difficulty Settling to Sleep
Challenges with Daytime Naps
Grizzly or Cranky Behaviour
Increased Night Wakings
Startling Awake Shortly After Falling Asleep
Do I need to address the four month sleep regression/progression?
In a word, No! Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily have to take action during the four-month sleep progression. While some sleep trainers may instil fear by suggesting that unaddressed sleep progression leads to everlasting issues, this notion is far from the truth. In reality, if you choose to do nothing, your child will naturally adapt, eventually sleeping through the night. Here are some suggestions, however, if sleep is becoming a concern:
Practical Tips To Address The Four Month Sleep Progression
Keep a Sleep Diary
Begin by maintaining a sleep diary to track your baby's sleep patterns. Identify any potential sleep debt and determine whether disruptions happen more during the day or night.
Establish Consistent Bedtime Routine
Create a soothing and consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to wind down. Do a shorter version at nap times.
Encourage Daytime Exposure to Natural Light
Help regulate your baby's circadian rhythm by exposing them to natural light during the day. Try to get out within the first hour or two of waking.
Optimise Daytime Feeds
Enhance daytime feeds by using a nursing necklace or feeding in a dimly lit room upon waking from a nap to minimise distractions.
Establish Predictable Napping Patterns
Set up consistent and predictable napping patterns during the day.
Provide Gentle Comfort During Sleep Cycles
You can help your baby transition into the next sleep by being nearby and gently placing a hand on their chest and tummy just before they typically wake or stir. This comforting touch can assist them in staying asleep without startling awake.
And most importantly…
Remember that every baby is unique, and experiences with the four month sleep transition can vary. Some babies may adapt smoothly, while others may exhibit more pronounced changes in their sleep.
By reframing the perspective on the four month sleep transition as a normal part of a baby's growth, hopefully you can better navigate the challenges and make adjustments to support your baby's evolving sleep needs.
And remember you can do absolutely nothing - this is a phase, it’s not forever, it will pass.
