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Ever found yourself wondering why your child wakes up in the night and has what many like to call a ‘crib party’? In the sleep world we call this a "split night". Split nights occur when your little one wakes for extended periods during the night, seemingly wide awake and ready to party, only to fall back into sleep hours later. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we prevent it?
Common Causes of Split Nights
Over or Under-tiredness: One of the most common causes is improper balance of daytime sleep. Too much daytime napping can lead to less sleep drive at night, while insufficient naps may result in overtiredness, making it hard for your little one to maintain sleep throughout the night.
Developmental Milestones: When children are mastering new skills such as crawling, walking, or talking, their sleep can be disrupted due to a drive to practice these new abilities. You might even see them practicing these new skills during their crib party!
Nap Transitions: As your little one grows, there sleep needs change. Dropping a nap can be a big adjustment, and sometimes their little bodes get confused, flipping on the “awake” switch when they should be asleep!
How to Prevent Split Nights
Optimize Nap Schedules: Ensure that your child’s nap times are appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Avoid naps too late in the day, which can interfere with nighttime sleep.
Establish Routines: A consistent bedtime routine sets the stage for a good night's sleep. This can include a bath, reading a story, and cuddles, signaling to your child that it's time to wind down.
Create a Sleep-conducive Environment: Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Use white noise machines to drown out disruptive sounds if necessary.
Monitor Physical Activity: Encourage active play during the day to help your child expend energy and be ready for rest at night.
Manage Sleep Associations: Work on teaching your child to fall asleep independently, without the need for sleep props or parental intervention.
Flexibility with Milestones: During developmental leaps, offer comfort and reassurance but try to avoid creating new sleep crutches. Be sure to practice those new skills during the day when they are awake instead!
While split nights might throw you for a loop, they're just a phase. Identify the ‘why’ for your baby, implement your strategy, and with some patience and time, you'll get through this! Remember, consistency is key in any sleep strategy, but so is flexibility, as every child's needs are unique. If you find yourself struggling, EverGlow Sleep can help you create and implement that plan and have your little one sleeping in no time!
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