Sleep Regression After Big Life Events: Why It Happens and How to Help

Has your previously great sleeper suddenly started waking up every hour? Are bedtimes becoming battles again? You're not alone, and you're not doing anything wrong. Sleep regression after major life changes is incredibly common—and there's a really good reason why it happens. Helping your child sleep better during these transitions starts with understanding what their nervous system is trying to tell you.

When families come to me after a big transition, they often feel frustrated and confused. Their child was sleeping beautifully, and now everything feels chaotic again. What many parents don't realize is that their child's sleep disruption is actually their nervous system's way of communicating something important.

Let me walk you through what's really happening during sleep regression and how you can support your child through it with compassion and understanding.

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is when a baby or toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts experiencing sleep problems. This might look like frequent night waking, nap resistance, or difficulty falling asleep. While it can feel like you're moving backward, sleep regression is actually a sign that your child's brain is processing something significant.

Sleep regressions typically occur at predictable developmental stages. You might notice common sleep regression ages like the 4 month sleep regression, 6 month sleep regression, or 18 month sleep regression. These happen because your child's sleep cycles are maturing, and their growing brain is working hard to integrate new skills and experiences.

However, not all sleep regressions are tied to age. Sometimes they happen because of changes in your child's environment or routine—and this is where big life events come into play.

Big Life Events That Can Trigger Sleep Regression

Life changes that seem manageable to us adults can feel overwhelming to a child's developing nervous system.

Here are some common triggers I see in my practice:

• Moving to a new home can completely disrupt your child's sense of safety and familiarity. Even if they're excited about the move, their nervous system may need time to adjust to new sounds, smells, and surroundings.

• Starting daycare or preschool introduces separation anxiety and a completely new routine. Your child's brain is working overtime to process new faces, rules, and expectations.

• The arrival of a new sibling changes everything about your child's world. Their sleep space might change, their routine shifts, and they're processing big emotions about sharing you.

• Potty training represents a major developmental milestone that can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns as your child's brain integrates this new skill.

• Travel and changes in time zones throw off your child's internal clock and familiar sleep environment, making it harder for them to settle.

Why Do Big Life Events Cause Sleep Regression?

Understanding the "why" behind sleep regression can help you approach it with more patience and less frustration. Here's what's really happening:

Stress and Nervous System Activation

When your child experiences a big change, their nervous system goes into protection mode. This is completely normal and healthy—it's designed to keep them safe. But when the nervous system is activated, falling asleep and staying asleep becomes much harder. Your calm, steady presence can help regulate their system and signal safety during these times.

You might notice your child experiencing separation anxiety, even if they never had it before. This isn’t regression—it’s their nervous system being extra vigilant during a time of change.

Sensory System Overload

Big changes can also impact your child's sensory system. New sounds, different lighting, or even the feel of unfamiliar bedding can feel overwhelming, making it harder for their body to fully relax at bedtime. Supporting their sensory needs helps calm the nervous system so sleep can return more easily.

Disrupted Routines

Children thrive on predictability because it helps their nervous system feel safe. When big life events disrupt their regular bedtime routine, their internal clock gets confused. Even small changes in timing, environment, or who's putting them to bed can trigger sleep disturbances.

Developmental Processing

Big life events often coincide with developmental milestones. Your child's brain is working hard to process new experiences, emotions, and skills. This mental work continues even during sleep, which can lead to more restless nights and frequent night waking.

Signs of Sleep Regression After Big Life Events

Every child responds differently to change, but here are common signs that your child is experiencing sleep regression:

• Frequent night waking when they previously slept through the night

• Nap resistance or shorter naps than usual

• Difficulty falling asleep or taking much longer to settle

• Increased fussiness or intense crying at bedtime

• Fighting sleep or seeming "wired" at bedtime

• Early morning wake-ups

• Wanting extra comfort or having trouble falling asleep independently

  
  

Remember, these behaviors aren't defiance—they're communication. Your child's body is telling you that they need extra support during this transition.

Once you recognize these signs for what they are—your child’s nervous system asking for extra support—you can respond with strategies that help them feel safe and settled again.

How to Help Your Child Through Sleep Regression

The good news is that sleep regression is temporary. Here's how you can support your child while their nervous system adjusts:

Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Consistency is your best friend during times of change. Even if everything else feels chaotic, try to keep your bedtime routine as predictable as possible. This might include a warm bath, quiet story time, and gentle snuggles. The familiar sequence helps signal to your child's nervous system that it's time to wind down.

Create a Calm and Comfortable Sleep Space

Your child's sleep environment should feel like a safe haven. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, use a white noise machine to mask unfamiliar sounds if helpful, and make sure they have comfort items that help them feel secure (like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket). Small sensory supports—soft, cozy textures, blackout curtains to block visual distractions, or even a light weighted blanket—can also help the nervous system feel grounded enough to rest.

Offer Extra Comfort and Reassurance

During sleep regression, your child needs more support, not less. This isn't the time to worry about creating "bad habits." If your child needs extra cuddles, reassurance, or your presence to feel safe, honor that need. These calming moments help their nervous system regulate and build trust, which is exactly what they need to return to healthy sleep habits.

Consider Gentle Sleep Training Methods

If you choose to use any sleep training method during this time, make sure it's gentle and responsive to your child's needs. Harsh methods can actually increase stress and make sleep problems worse. Focus on approaches that help your child feel safe while gradually building their confidence to sleep independently.

Be Patient and Understanding

This is perhaps the most important piece. Sleep regressions typically last 2-6 weeks, but the timeline varies for each child. Some days will be harder than others, and that's completely normal. Your child isn't trying to make things difficult—they're doing their best to cope with big changes.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most regressions ease with time, if sleep struggles persist or feel overwhelming, extra help can make a big difference.

Here are times when professional support may be helpful:

• If sleep problems persist for more than 6-8 weeks

• If your child seems excessively anxious or distressed

• If the sleep disruption is significantly impacting your family's well-being

• If you're noticing other concerning behaviors alongside the sleep issues

At Child Therapy Center of Los Angeles, we help families understand what their child's sleep struggles are really communicating. Sometimes sleep problems are connected to underlying anxiety, sensory needs, or nervous system dysregulation that benefit from therapeutic support.

Your Child's Sleep Will Return to Normal

Sleep regression after big life events is a normal sign that your child's nervous system is doing its job—processing change, integrating new experiences, and working hard to feel safe again.

The most important thing you can do is approach this time with patience and understanding. Your child isn't broken, and you don't need to fix them. They need your steady presence and support as they navigate this transition.

Remember, you are the most powerful tool in your parenting toolbox. When you stay calm and regulated, you're helping your child's nervous system find its way back to balance. Some nights will be harder than others, but with time and support, your child’s natural sleep rhythm will settle again.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or need additional support during this challenging time, consider booking a Thriving Child Strategy Call with our team. We can help you understand what your child's sleep regression is really telling you and create a customized plan to support your whole family through this transition.