Toddler Sleep Regression: Causes, Signs, and Sleep Tips

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Toddler sleep regression is a common but temporary phase many parents face. You may notice sudden changes in sleep, like more night waking, nap refusal, or bedtime tantrums. These shifts often happen around 18 months, 2 years, or other key stages of development. While it can feel overwhelming in the moment, these changes are usually linked to normal growth, not something “wrong” with your child.

Understanding what toddler sleep regression is—and why it happens—can help you respond with confidence. With the right tools, you can help your toddler (and yourself) get back to better rest.

What Is Sleep Regression?

The sleep regression meaning varies, but it generally describes a temporary disruption in your toddler’s sleep patterns after they were previously sleeping well. It may look like more resistance at bedtime, waking up more frequently overnight, or needing extra help to fall asleep—even when your routine hasn’t changed.

According to pediatric experts, toddler sleep regressions are usually not a sign that something is wrong. Instead, they’re often linked to rapid emotional and cognitive growth, which can make sleep feel more challenging for your toddler.

What Are Common Sleep Regression Ages for Toddlers?

These sleep changes often appear around the broad “toddler years,” rather than at one fixed age, and may come and go in waves as your child works through milestones like walking, talking, or gaining independence. 

You might notice toddler sleep regressions around key developmental stages, including:

• 12-month sleep regression. Around their first birthday, toddlers may start walking or becoming more mobile, which can make it harder for them to settle at night. Excitement and overstimulation from newfound independence can affect naps and overnight sleep.

• 14-month sleep regression. As language skills begin to develop and routines shift, your toddler may experience disrupted sleep patterns or resist going to bed. This is a time of increased curiosity and cognitive leaps.

• 18-month sleep regression. This is one of the most common sleep regression ages for toddlers. Many children are developing a strong sense of independence while also experiencing separation anxiety. According to the AAP, separation anxiety often intensifies during this stage, which can lead to more night wakings or needing extra reassurance at bedtime.

• 2-year sleep regression. By age 2, emotional development is surging. Toddlers begin to understand big feelings, but don’t always know how to manage them. This can result in tantrums or bedtime resistance. Some children are also starting potty training, which may temporarily disrupt sleep.

• 2.5-year sleep regression. At this age, many toddlers are working on self-regulation skills. This includes managing impulses and emotions—skills that can take a while to master and may cause bedtime protests or overnight wakings.

• 3-year sleep regression. By age 3, imagination is blooming, and fears of the dark or being alone may appear. Combined with transitions like starting preschool or changing nap schedules, this can contribute to more frequent night wakings or resistance to going to bed.

Remember, there’s no single age when sleep regressions happen, and some toddlers may not experience regression at all.

Dreaming of better sleep? No matter what age your little one is, take our quick quiz for personalized tips to improve sleep.

What Causes Sleep Regression in Toddlers?

If your toddler is not sleeping at night as well as they used to, you’re likely trying to find the potential cause. Several common factors can contribute to sleep regression in toddlers:

• Separation anxiety. This can make it harder for toddlers to settle or stay asleep, especially if they’re worried about being away from you. According to the AAP, separation anxiety can affect sleep well into the toddler years.

• Developmental leaps. Milestones like learning to walk, climb, or speak can cause temporary sleep disruptions as your toddler’s brain stays extra busy—even at night. Sleep regression and potty training may also coincide as your little one learns this new skill.

• Growth spurts. Rapid changes in physical development can also lead to temporary changes in sleep. While it’s not always obvious, growth spurts can cause sleep regression by increasing hunger or general restlessness.

• Teething discomfort. Many parents ask, "Does teething cause sleep regression?" Teething can cause soreness or fussiness, which may lead to sleep disruptions—especially if multiple molars are erupting at once.

• Illness and recovery. If your child is ill, you may notice disruptions in their sleep due to things like congestion or coughing. You may even notice a sleep regression after illness due to disrupted routines or extra sleep needs as they recover, which can all interfere with rest.

• Life changes. Big transitions, like starting daycare, moving house, or welcoming a new sibling, can lead to temporary regressions.

These changes can make your toddler crave more closeness at night or wake more often needing reassurance.

What Are Signs of Sleep Regression in Toddlers?

If your toddler is not sleeping at night, they may be going through a sleep regression phase. Signs of sleep regression in toddlers include:

• Frequent night wakings after a period of sleeping well

• Bedtime battles, including stalling or protesting sleep

• Increased clinginess or tantrums when it’s time to sleep

• Early morning wake-ups

• Shorter or skipped naps.

If your toddler tosses and turns all night, won’t sleep through the night, calls for you often, or resists naps they previously enjoyed, it may be a sign they’re going through a toddler sleep regression.

How Long Does a Toddler Sleep Regression Last?

Toddler sleep regressions are usually temporary phases that improve as your child adapts to a consistent routine and healthy sleep habits. While sleep challenges and periods of separation anxiety may last up to several months, individual rough patches and bedtime struggles generally get better over time.

However, if sleep disruptions last longer, don’t improve over time, or are paired with loud snoring, gasping, or significant daytime sleepiness, it's best to consult your child’s healthcare provider.

How to Deal With Sleep Regression in Toddlers?

So, what are the best ways to deal with sleep regression? Once you’ve ruled out illness as the cause, here are some strategies on how to help your toddler during a period of sleep regression:

• Stick to a predictable routine. Toddlers thrive on consistency. Keep bedtime and wake time roughly the same every day. A consistent schedule may help reduce sleep regressions.

• Create a calm wind-down. A quiet, screen-free bedtime routine with a bath, story, and cuddles helps signal that it’s time to sleep.

• Offer a comfort object. A soft toy or blanket can provide reassurance at night.

• Put your toddler to bed drowsy but awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own.

For more ways to help with sleep regression, check out our toddler sleep tips.

Supporting Your Toddler’s Feelings at Night

Since separation anxiety can heighten during sleep regressions, experts suggest offering emotional support while keeping boundaries clear. You might:

• Comfort your toddler with a calm, consistent response

• Keep night wakings low-key—minimal talking, dim lighting

• Use phrases like, “You’re safe, I’m nearby,” to reassure without overstimulating.

Predictable, empathetic responses help toddlers feel secure while reinforcing that nighttime is for sleeping.

Toddler Sleep Training During a Sleep Regression

Can you sleep train during a sleep regression? Yes, as long as your toddler is healthy and you feel comfortable.

Sleep training during sleep regression can help reinforce healthy sleep habits and reduce night wakings. It’s most effective when paired with a predictable bedtime routine and a calming environment.

Gentle behavioral strategies like these can help:

Always choose sleep training methods that match your family’s values and your toddler’s temperament. And remember, a calm and consistent bedtime routine is the best place to start. If things don’t improve after a few weeks, consider seeking advice from a pediatric sleep expert.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your child’s healthcare provider if:

• Sleep disruptions are extreme or last longer than a month

• Your toddler is having frequent nightmares

• Your toddler snores loudly, gasps during sleep, or seems unusually sleepy during the day

• There are other concerns, like developmental regression or behavioral changes.

Remember, sleep challenges are expected in a child’s early years, but if you have any concerns or ongoing issues, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

The Bottom Line

Sleep regressions can be challenging, but they’re a normal part of your toddler's development. By maintaining a consistent routine, providing plenty of reassurance, and exercising a bit of patience, most children will return to better sleep patterns soon. However, if the situation doesn't improve or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your child's healthcare provider.