12-Month Sleep Regression

How Does a Child’s Sleep Change Around 12 Months?

As an infant gets older, the trend in their sleep pattern is toward longer sleep periods. A greater proportion of their total sleep happens at night even though they continue napping during the day. Children who are 1 to 2 years of age should get 11 to 14 hours Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source of total sleep each day, including naps.

Many babies start to sleep through the night at around 6 months of age, but this is far from universal. Sleep development in infants is highly variable Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , so many children’s sleep patterns do not follow that timeline. For example, one study found that 72% of 12-month-olds slept for six or more hours consecutively at night Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . As a result, while parents should expect to see a trend toward more and longer nighttime sleep, many will have different experiences.

Of course, these sleep fluctuations occur alongside a tremendous change in other aspects of development Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source . As they near 12 months of age, children tend to show greater emotional engagement, increased communication, heightened cognitive skills, and expanded physical abilities like standing and walking with support. These and other developmental milestones may influence a baby’s daytime activity and nighttime sleep.

What Causes a 12-Month Sleep Regression?

Around their first birthday, some children confront a new round of sleeping difficulties. This 12-month regression can happen regardless of what the child’s previous sleep experience has been.

Determining a single cause of a sleep regression is challenging because it can be affected by multiple factors. Given the diversity of changes a child is experiencing, it is typically hard to identify a single reason why they are having a sleep problem.

Contributors to a 12-month sleep regression include:

• Restlessness and overstimulation related to physical growth and increased activity levels
• Separation anxiety that builds up with heightened emotional and social development
• Teething Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source and associated pain and discomfort
• Adjustment to new sleep patterns, schedules, or sleep training
• Nightmares, though these are less common at this age

Do All Children Have a 12-Month Sleep Regression?

Not all 1-year-olds will experience a sleep regression. Sleep development in infants is highly variable, so many children’s sleep patterns do not follow the same timeline. While 12-month sleep regressions affect some children, others may see their sleep improve or remain basically the same at this age.

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What Are the Symptoms of a 12-Month Sleep Regression?

Symptoms of a 12-month sleep regression can take various forms. Most commonly, parents and caregivers will notice their child:

• Waking up more often during the night
• Being fussy and having a hard time calming down and getting back to sleep after nighttime awakenings
• Showing agitation, crying, or resisting sleep at bedtime
• Taking longer naps during the day

How Long Do Symptoms of a 12-Month Sleep Regression Last?

In most cases, the symptoms of a 12-month sleep regression do not last longer than a few weeks. However, every child’s situation is different. How long a sleep regression lasts can depend on the factors causing it, the 1-year-old’s sleep habits and environment, and their overall development.After a 12-month sleep regression resolves, children may still experience sleeping problems. Like adults, babies and toddlers can go through good and bad periods in their sleep. Encouraging healthy sleep habits at a young age can help reduce the chances of sleep issues as a child gets older Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source .

How Can Parents Cope With Sleep Problems in a One-Year-Old?

There is rarely one single solution for a 12-month sleep regression. But, parents and caregivers who focus on positive sleep habits can help their child sleep better as they grow. 

• Have a consistent routine before bedtime: Research demonstrates that a stable routine can make it easier for children to fall asleep and stay asleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . As part of this process, make sure your child has time to wind down, get comfortable, and say goodnight.
• Keep a steady sleep schedule: If you can stick to a consistent schedule for naps and sleep at night, it can help your child adjust and be ready for sleep.
• Remove distractions: Excess noise, light, or stimulation can make it hard for your 1-year-old to fall asleep, stay asleep, or self-soothe during the night.
• Make daytime active: Providing your child plenty of daytime activity, especially if it involves exposure to natural light, can help foster a healthy circadian rhythm that reinforces sleeping during the night.

You may find that your toddler continues to have sleep problems despite following these tips. It can take time for a child to settle into a pattern of healthy sleep.

Addressing Nighttime Awakenings and Separation Anxiety

Many 1-year-olds struggle with separation anxiety Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source . This anxiety can make it harder for the child to fall asleep on their own at bedtime or after nighttime awakenings. To ease your child’s concerns and help them fall back asleep it may help to: 

• Keep the lights out and avoid any additional stimulation at night
• Use the same goodbye ritual Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. View Source when leaving the room each night
• Practice separation during the day with short periods apart, including time your child spends with another trusted adult
• Prevent potential sleep disturbances by checking on them from a distance after they fall asleep

Dealing with separation anxiety can be hard for parents, caregivers, and their child. But having a consistent approach to reduce separation anxiety can help your child feel more secure and fall asleep more easily.

Managing Sleep Problems From Teething

Teething can be an ongoing struggle for parents, especially when it causes fussiness around bedtime. Some strategies to give relief to a teething child include:

• Providing a teething ring or other soft and cool object to chew on
• Massaging the gums with a cool, wet washcloth

When Should Parents Talk With a Doctor About Sleep Problems in a 1-Year-Old?

Questions or concerns about your child’s sleep can always be discussed with your pediatrician at regular check-ups. Most sleep regressions resolve within a few weeks, and may not be cause for concern. Let your child’s pediatrician know if sleeping problems are serious, last for more than a few weeks, or if you notice other changes Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. View Source such as:

• Lack of growth
• Lack of weight gain
• Abnormal breathing or snoring during sleep
• Major changes to habits related to feeding, urination, or bowel movements

Self-Care For Parents and Caregivers

Being a parent or caregiver can be hard, and it is important to remember that no baby’s sleep is perfect. Occasional sleep difficulties are normal and are not a reflection of parents, caregivers, or their children. It is important to set reasonable expectations and ask for help when needed.

Parents and caregivers should also take steps to ensure they are getting enough sleep each night. Getting adequate sleep is an important part of overall health and well-being.