18 Month Sleep Regression, How to Help your Toddler

2021-12-04

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The 18-month sleep regression, also known as the toddler sleep regression, is a common sleep disturbance that can disrupt your child's sleep patterns between the ages of 18 months and 2 years. During this period, your toddler is likely experiencing significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that can make it difficult for them to settle down at night. It's important to know that this sleep regression is temporary and with some patience and understanding, you can help your child get back to sleeping well.

Common signs of the 18-month sleep regression include: waking up frequently at night, difficulty falling asleep, early morning wakings, refusing naps, and increased night terrors or nightmares. These changes can be frustrating for both parents and toddlers, but it's important to remember that they are a normal part of toddler development and will eventually pass.

To help your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression, there are several strategies you can try. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, creating a calming bedtime environment, and using positive sleep associations can all help improve your toddler's sleep. Additionally, it is important to be patient and understanding during this time. With support and consistency, your toddler will eventually learn to sleep well again.

18 month old sleep regression

Temporary sleep disturbance during toddler development.

Common signs:
Frequent night wakings
Difficulty falling asleep
Early morning wakings
Refusing naps
Increased night terrors
Nightmares

Strategies to help:

Consistent sleep routine
Calming bedtime environment
Positive sleep associations
Patience and understanding

Common signs:

Frequent night wakings: During the 18-month sleep regression, your toddler may start waking up multiple times during the night. This can be frustrating for both parents and toddlers, but it's important to remember that it's a temporary phase.

Difficulty falling asleep: Your toddler may also start having difficulty falling asleep at bedtime. They may resist going to bed, or they may take a long time to settle down and fall asleep.

Early morning wakings: Another common sign of the 18-month sleep regression is early morning wakings. Your toddler may wake up several hours before their usual wake time and have difficulty going back to sleep.

Refusing naps: Some toddlers may start refusing naps during the 18-month sleep regression. This can lead to overtiredness, which can make it even harder for them to sleep at night.

Increased night terrors and nightmares: Toddlers may also experience an increase in night terrors and nightmares during the 18-month sleep regression. These can be scary for both toddlers and parents, but it's important to stay calm and reassure your toddler that everything is okay.

It's important to note that not all toddlers will experience all of these signs during the 18-month sleep regression. Some toddlers may only have a few of these symptoms, while others may have more severe sleep disturbances. If you're concerned about your toddler's sleep, talk to your doctor.

Frequent night wakings

Frequent night wakings are one of the most common signs of the 18-month sleep regression. During this time, your toddler may start waking up multiple times during the night. This can be frustrating for both parents and toddlers, but it's important to remember that it's a temporary phase.

Teething: Teething can cause pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult for toddlers to sleep. If your toddler is teething, you can try giving them a teething ring or massaging their gums to help relieve the pain.
Nightmares and night terrors: Toddlers may also experience an increase in nightmares and night terrors during the 18-month sleep regression. These can be scary for both toddlers and parents, but it's important to stay calm and reassure your toddler that everything is okay.
Separation anxiety: Toddlers may also wake up frequently at night due to separation anxiety. They may be afraid of being alone in their room or they may miss their parents. To help ease your toddler's separation anxiety, you can try establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calming bedtime environment, and reassuring your toddler that you're always there for them.
Hunger or thirst: If your toddler is waking up frequently at night, it's possible that they're hungry or thirsty. Try offering them a small snack or drink before bed to see if that helps them sleep through the night.

If you're concerned about your toddler's frequent night wakings, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Difficulty falling asleep

Difficulty falling asleep is another common sign of the 18-month sleep regression. During this time, your toddler may resist going to bed, or they may take a long time to settle down and fall asleep.

Overtiredness: One of the most common reasons why toddlers have difficulty falling asleep is because they're overtired. Try putting your toddler to bed a little earlier than usual to see if that helps them fall asleep more easily.
Inconsistent bedtime routine: Toddlers thrive on routine. If your toddler's bedtime routine is inconsistent, it can make it difficult for them to wind down and fall asleep. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes a warm bath, reading a book, and singing a lullaby.
Overstimulation before bed: Avoid letting your toddler watch TV or play with electronic devices in the hour before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep. Instead, try doing something calming before bed, such as reading a book or taking a bath.
Anxiety or fear: Toddlers may also have difficulty falling asleep if they're feeling anxious or scared. If your toddler is afraid of the dark, try leaving a night light on in their room. You can also try talking to your toddler about their fears and reassuring them that everything is okay.

If you're concerned about your toddler's difficulty falling asleep, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Early morning wakings

Early morning wakings are another common sign of the 18-month sleep regression. During this time, your toddler may wake up several hours before their usual wake time and have difficulty going back to sleep.

Early bedtime: If your toddler is going to bed too early, they may wake up early in the morning. Try pushing their bedtime back by 15-30 minutes to see if that helps them sleep later in the morning.
Napping too much during the day: If your toddler is taking long naps during the day, it can make it difficult for them to fall asleep at night and stay asleep until morning. Try limiting your toddler's daytime naps to 1-2 hours total.
Hunger or thirst: If your toddler is waking up early in the morning because they're hungry or thirsty, try offering them a small snack or drink before bed. You can also try giving them a sippy cup of water to keep by their bed so they can drink it if they wake up thirsty.
Light or noise: Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. If there's too much light or noise, it can make it difficult for them to stay asleep. You can try using blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help create a more conducive sleep environment.

If you're concerned about your toddler's early morning wakings, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Refusing naps

Some toddlers may start refusing naps during the 18-month sleep regression. This can lead to overtiredness, which can make it even harder for them to sleep at night.

There are a few reasons why toddlers may refuse naps:

They're not tired enough. If your toddler is getting enough sleep at night, they may not need a nap during the day. Try pushing their bedtime back by 15-30 minutes to see if that helps them sleep later in the morning and take a nap during the day.
They're overtired. If your toddler is overtired, they may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep for a nap. Try putting them down for a nap earlier than usual or shortening their nap time.
They're fighting a sleep association. If your toddler is used to falling asleep in a specific way, such as being rocked or nursed, they may refuse to nap if you don't do that for them. Try to establish a consistent naptime routine that doesn't involve any sleep associations.
They're going through a developmental change. Toddlers are constantly learning and developing new skills. This can sometimes lead to changes in their sleep patterns, including refusing naps.

If you're concerned about your toddler's refusal to nap, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Increased night terrors

Toddlers may also experience an increase in night terrors during the 18-month sleep regression. Night terrors are different from nightmares. Nightmares are vivid, bad dreams that occur during REM sleep. Night terrors, on the other hand, occur during stage 4 sleep, which is a deeper stage of sleep. During a night terror, your toddler may:

Sit up in bed and scream
Sweat and have a rapid heart rate
Look terrified and confused
Be difficult to wake up
Not remember the night terror in the morning

Night terrors are usually harmless and will eventually go away on their own. However, they can be very frightening for both toddlers and parents.

There are a few things you can do to help your toddler if they're experiencing night terrors:

Stay calm. It's important to stay calm during a night terror, even though it can be difficult. Your toddler may be scared and confused, and your calmness will help them feel safe and secure.
Don't try to wake your toddler up. Waking your toddler up during a night terror will only make it worse. They will likely be even more confused and scared when they wake up.
Comfort your toddler. You can comfort your toddler by holding them, rubbing their back, or singing a lullaby. You can also try to talk to them in a soothing voice.
Make sure your toddler's bedroom is safe. Make sure there are no sharp objects or furniture that your toddler could hurt themselves on during a night terror.

If you're concerned about your toddler's night terrors, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Nightmares

Nightmares are another common problem that toddlers may experience during the 18-month sleep regression. Nightmares are vivid, bad dreams that occur during REM sleep. Toddlers may have nightmares about monsters, animals, or other scary things. They may also have nightmares about things that are happening in their lives, such as starting preschool or moving to a new house.

Reassure your toddler that it was just a dream. When your toddler wakes up from a nightmare, reassure them that it was just a dream and that they're safe. You can also talk to them about what they're afraid of and help them to develop coping mechanisms.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler feel more secure and relaxed at bedtime. This can help to reduce the likelihood of nightmares.
Create a calming bedtime environment. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You can also try using a white noise machine or playing calming music to help your toddler relax.
Avoid scary movies and TV shows before bed. Avoid letting your toddler watch scary movies or TV shows before bed. This can make it more likely for them to have nightmares.

If your toddler is having frequent nightmares, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Consistent sleep routine

One of the best ways to help your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression is to establish a consistent sleep routine. A consistent sleep routine helps your toddler learn to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. It also helps to regulate their body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Choose a regular bedtime and wake time. Try to put your toddler to bed and wake them up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to establish a regular sleep schedule.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine. A relaxing bedtime routine can help your toddler wind down and get ready for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleep. You can use blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help create a more conducive sleep environment.
Avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugary foods and drinks before bed. These can interfere with sleep.

It may take some time for your toddler to adjust to a new sleep routine. Be patient and consistent, and eventually, they will learn to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.

Calming bedtime environment

Creating a calming bedtime environment is essential for helping your toddler sleep better. Here are some tips:

Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleep. You can use blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help create a more conducive sleep environment.
Use a warm, soft light in your toddler's bedroom. Avoid using bright, harsh lights, as these can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Avoid letting your toddler watch TV or play with electronic devices in the hour before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
Play calming music or read a soothing book to your toddler before bed. This can help to relax them and get them ready for sleep.
Make sure your toddler's bed is comfortable. Use a soft, supportive mattress and pillows. You can also add a special blanket or stuffed animal to help your toddler feel cozy and secure.

By creating a calming bedtime environment, you can help your toddler fall asleep more easily and get a better night's sleep.

If you're struggling to create a calming bedtime environment for your toddler, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with additional tips and resources to help your toddler sleep better.

Positive sleep associations

Positive sleep associations are things that help your toddler fall asleep and stay asleep. These can include:

A regular bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine helps your toddler learn to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. It also helps to regulate their body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
A calming bedtime environment. A calming bedtime environment is dark, quiet, and cool. It's also free of distractions, such as TV and electronic devices.
A comfortable bed. Make sure your toddler's bed is comfortable and supportive. Use a soft, supportive mattress and pillows. You can also add a special blanket or stuffed animal to help your toddler feel cozy and secure.
A soothing bedtime story or song. Reading a soothing book or singing a lullaby can help your toddler relax and get ready for sleep.
A gentle back rub or massage. A gentle back rub or massage can help your toddler to relax and fall asleep.

It's important to avoid creating negative sleep associations, such as rocking your toddler to sleep or letting them fall asleep in your bed. These associations can make it difficult for your toddler to learn to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own.

If you're struggling to create positive sleep associations for your toddler, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with additional tips and resources to help your toddler sleep better.

Patience and understanding

The 18-month sleep regression can be a challenging time for both toddlers and parents. It's important to be patient and understanding during this time. Remember that the sleep regression is temporary and will eventually pass.

Be patient with your toddler. Your toddler is going through a lot of changes during the 18-month sleep regression. They may be frustrated and irritable, and they may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Be patient with your toddler and try to understand what they're going through.
Be understanding of your own needs. It's also important to be understanding of your own needs. You may be feeling tired and frustrated yourself. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and that you're taking care of yourself. This will help you to be more patient and understanding with your toddler.
Set realistic expectations. Don't expect your toddler to suddenly start sleeping through the night during the sleep regression. It's more likely that they will have some ups and downs. Be realistic about your expectations and don't get discouraged if your toddler has a few bad nights.
Talk to your partner, family, and friends. If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to your partner, family, and friends. They can provide you with support and encouragement during this challenging time.

Remember, the 18-month sleep regression is temporary. With patience and understanding, you and your toddler will eventually get through it.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 18-month sleep regression:

Question 1: How long does the 18-month sleep regression last?
Answer 1: The 18-month sleep regression typically lasts for 2-6 weeks, but it can vary from child to child.

Question 2: What are some common signs of the 18-month sleep regression?
Answer 2: Common signs of the 18-month sleep regression include frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, early morning wakings, refusing naps, and increased night terrors or nightmares.

Question 3: What can I do to help my toddler through the sleep regression?
Answer 3: There are several things you can do to help your toddler through the sleep regression, such as maintaining a consistent sleep routine, creating a calming bedtime environment, and using positive sleep associations.

Question 4: Should I let my toddler cry it out during the sleep regression?
Answer 4: The decision of whether or not to let your toddler cry it out is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Some parents find that cry it out works for them, while others find that it makes the sleep regression worse.

Question 5: When should I talk to my doctor about my toddler's sleep?
Answer 5: You should talk to your doctor if your toddler's sleep problems are severe or if they're not improving after a few weeks. Your doctor can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Question 6: Is the sleep regression a sign of something wrong with my child?
Answer 6: No, the sleep regression is not a sign of anything wrong with your child. It's a normal part of toddler development.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

If you're concerned about your toddler's sleep, talk to your doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide you with additional tips for helping your toddler sleep better.

Here are some additional tips for helping your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression:

Tips

Here are a few tips for helping your toddler through the 18-month sleep regression:

Tip 1: Be patient and understanding.

The 18-month sleep regression is a challenging time for both toddlers and parents. It's important to be patient and understanding during this time. Remember that the sleep regression is temporary and will eventually pass.

Tip 2: Maintain a consistent sleep routine.

A consistent sleep routine helps your toddler learn to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. It also helps to regulate their body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Try to put your toddler to bed and wake them up at the same time each day, even on weekends.

Tip 3: Create a calming bedtime environment.

A calming bedtime environment is dark, quiet, and cool. It's also free of distractions, such as TV and electronic devices. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is conducive to sleep and that they have a comfortable bed and pillows.

Tip 4: Use positive sleep associations.

Positive sleep associations are things that help your toddler fall asleep and stay asleep. These can include a regular bedtime routine, a calming bedtime environment, a comfortable bed, and a soothing bedtime story or song.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

By following these tips, you can help your toddler get through the 18-month sleep regression more easily. Remember to be patient and understanding, and don't give up. With time and consistency, your toddler will eventually learn to sleep well again.

Conclusion

The 18-month sleep regression is a challenging time for both toddlers and parents. However, it's important to remember that this is a temporary phase and that your toddler will eventually learn to sleep well again.

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help your toddler through the sleep regression. These include:

Being patient and understanding
Maintaining a consistent sleep routine
Creating a calming bedtime environment
Using positive sleep associations

Closing Message

Remember, you're not alone. Many parents experience sleep problems with their toddlers. With patience, consistency, and support, you and your toddler will eventually get through this challenging time.