Causes and Symptoms of 4 Month Sleep Regression

Is your 4 month old waking up more frequently during the night, needing extra comfort from you, and resisting naps? Sleep regression happens when a baby who was previously a good sleeper starts to experience changes in their sleeping habits and routine.

Dealing with 4 month sleep regression can be disheartening and challenging for new parents. Fortunately, it’s a temporary phase. Sleep regressions are usually linked to physical growth, changes in routine, or developmental and cognitive milestones. These regressions don’t always happen at the 4 month mark. They can occur any time during a child’s first two years of life, as your little one’s brain and body undergoes rapid growth and development.

Common Causes of Sleep Regression at 4 Months

1. Sleep Cycle Maturation

At around 4 months, your baby’s sleep cycle is experiencing significant change. It is maturing and beginning to follow the same distinct stages of sleep (light, deep, and REM) that older children and adults experience. As babies adjust to more frequent light stages of sleep, they become more likely to wake up at night and may struggle to get back to sleep.

2. Physical Changes

At 4 months old, most babies undergo a significant growth spurt. This rapid physical growth and development can result in increased hunger and, in turn, more frequent nighttime feedings.

3. Cognitive Development

Your baby is not only growing physically but also emotionally and cognitively. At around 4 months, your baby will start to:

  • Recognize people and things from a distance
  • Respond to affection and attention
  • Track objects visually
  • Coordinate their movements with their vision
  • Express emotions
  • Read expressions
  • Reach for objects and people

All these new skills and abilities can make it harder for your baby to relax and settle in for the night. You can help your baby to become tired and comfortable for bedtime by playing with them and interacting with them. These are proven ways to help develop their understanding of the world.

4. Increased Awareness

As babies grow and develop, their circadian rhythm also develops and sets in. They become more aware of their surroundings, and can understand the differences between light and dark. This can cause temporary sleep disruptions as they adjust to sleeping more throughout the night and less during the day.

5. Separation Anxiety

Babies become more emotionally dependent as they reach 4 months old. They start to recognize their favorite people (usually Mom and Dad) and even short periods of separation can cause fear and anxiety.

Separation anxiety can affect how long and how well your baby sleeps – especially if they sleep in a separate room from you.  Separation anxiety is perfectly normal, although it can certainly be a challenge for you and your little one. In time, they will learn to self-soothe when you’re not in the same room. 

6. Changes in Feeding and Dietary Needs

Dietary changes can sometimes contribute to sleep regression. More commonly, physical and cognitive changes begin to simultaneously affect a baby’s sleep and eating patterns. Growth spurts, changes in feeding schedules, and the introduction of new foods may accompany symptoms of sleep regression in babies.

7. Teething Pain

Baby teeth usually start to come in around 6-12 months, but some babies start to develop early teething pain before this. If your baby is having trouble sleeping and you notice other signs of discomfort during the day and night, it could be due to teething pain. Early teethings can cause fussiness, irritability, difficulty eating, and sleep disruptions.

8. Routine and Lifestyle Changes

Babies are brand new to the world. Their routines become an essential and sacred source of comfort, helping to assure them that their needs will continue to be met. However, as babies grow and their needs evolve, so must their routines. 

Changes in their routine or their environment can disrupt their sleep., While sleep regression can be difficult to manage, it will likely subside once they settle into their new schedule. 

Symptoms of Sleep Regression: What’s Normal?

Frequent Wake-Ups

Waking up every couple hours throughout the night is a telltale sign of sleep regression. In addition to waking up more frequently, your baby may also require more help to fall back asleep than they did previously.

Difficulty Falling Asleep

Sleep regressions make settling down harder for babies. The physical changes that occur at 4 months can cause increased fussiness and irritability, which can make it harder for your little one to doze off at the designated time.

Increased Need for Comfort and Attention

At around 4 months, babies haven’t yet learned how to self-soothe. Sleep regression can cause bubs to need more comfort and attention than before. They may want to be held more often and become increasingly fussy without your attention.

Shorter Naps

Sleep regression can result in shorter naps throughout the day. While newborns often sleep for hours at a time, 4 month olds going through changes in their sleep cycle may find it harder to nap as long.

More Frequent Feeding Needs

Your bub is growing, developing, and learning new things every single day. They may need extra feeds to ensure they grow healthy and strong.

How To Help Your Baby Through Sleep Regression

Here are a few things you can do to help your baby get through 4 month sleep regression, make things easier on yourself, and get their routine back on track:

  • Try to keep a consistent bedtime and wake-time schedule.
  • Encourage your baby to learn to self-soothe by not picking them up right away during wake-ups.
  • Interact with your baby during the day so they can relax at night.
  • Offer extra comfort during the day when your baby experiences separation anxiety.
  • Make sure you prioritize your own health, wellbeing, and sanity.
  • Ask your loved ones for help when you need it.

Final Thoughts

Sleep regression is a perfectly normal part of infant development. However, that doesn’t make it any less challenging. Understanding the causes and symptoms of sleep regression can help parents stay calm and manage these changes more effectively.