5 Month Sleep Regression

Is There a 5 Month Sleep Regression?

Sleep issues can occur at any age, and 5 months is a very common age for parents to struggle with their baby’s sleep. Many times, these aren’t new problems that develop out of nowhere (although that can happen), but are caused by ongoing sleep issues that either worsen overtime or become harder to cope with for exhausted parents.

5 Month Sleep Regression Signs

Difficulty falling and staying asleep are the most common signs of any sleep regression, including at 5 months. You may also notice that baby is harder to soothe. This could look like general fussiness from not getting enough sleep, or needing more labor-intensive interventions from you in order to fall asleep.

If you’re exhausted and having difficulty with focus, emotional regulation, or coping with stress because of a lack of sleep, this is a good sign that your baby’s sleep issues need to be addressed, whether they’re having a sleep regression or not.

Can the 4 Month Sleep Regression Happen at 5 Months?

Yes. Here’s why:

Most people think of sleep regressions as a short period of sleep difficulties, usually as a result of developmental milestones like sitting, standing, crawling, etc., that usually resolve once the baby has mastered the milestone. The 4 month sleep regression is different because it’s caused by permanent changes in the brain, specifically related to sleep.

At around 4 months old, babies form mature sleep cycles and experience more sleep stages than they did as a newborn. Many babies have what’s known as the 4 month sleep regression, which is characterized by a sudden spike in night wakes and sleep struggles. But for some, sleep worsens gradually after this development, resulting in what looks like a sleep regression at 5 months.

Approximate example of sleep cycles throughout the night.

What Causes a 5 Month Sleep Regression

Sleep issues at this age are usually a continuation of existing challenges, rather than entirely new problems. We’ll cover the most common reasons babies struggle with sleep at 5 months, and how to resolve them.

Sleep Associations

This is the most common reason that 5 month olds struggle with sleep. Sleep associations are things like nursing, bouncing, rocking, reinserting a pacifier, or bottle feeding to sleep. They are the “props” that baby relies on to fall asleep, and often, they’ll also need the same kind of help between sleep cycles throughout the night.

Some sleep associations can become more problematic as babies get older. After the newborn stage, babies are more aware of their surroundings and can be easily overstimulated and distracted when trying to fall asleep.

If sleep associations are to blame, for your family’s poor sleep, the best way to resolve it is teaching independent sleep skills. I always recommend gentle methods over methods like cry it out or Ferber that withhold comfort. If you want to learn more, download my free Independent Baby Sleep Guide.

Disclaimer: If you enjoy your family’s current sleep associations, they’re done safely, and you or baby aren’t suffering from lack of sleep because of them, then you’re not obligated to change them. But keep in mind that habitual sleep troubles caused by sleep props can take a long time to resolve on their own. If you decide to wait it out, you can expect to see sleep improvement around anywhere from 12 months to 3 years old.

Poor Sleep Schedule

Too much or too little daytime sleep can cause poor night sleep, and vice versa. Here are common sleep schedule problems:

Forcing long naps

Some parents use contact nap just because it’s the only way to get baby to nap longer than 30 to 40 minutes. But short naps are biologically normal until about 6 months. Forcing long naps can “steal” from nighttime sleep.

Too Many Naps

5 month olds should be taking 3 naps a day, with 2 to 2.5 hour wake windows. If baby is still taking 4 or 5 naps with short wake windows, it’s usually because they’re chronically overtired from sleeping poorly. Teaching independent sleep will improve sleep quality at night, which will help you stretch their wake windows and drop unnecessary naps.

Inappropriate Bedtime

Some parents keep their baby up late hoping they’ll sleep better or sleep in. But being overtired can trigger a fight or flight response, making it difficult to sleep well. And if your baby’s bedtime is too early, they won’t have enough sleep pressure built up to stay asleep. Aim for a consistent bedtime while also keeping age-appropriate wake windows before bed.

Not Enough Physical Activity

Babies this age need movement, to practice their milestones like rolling and sitting. They also need to spend a lot of time on their tummy to strengthen the muscles in their back, legs, abdominals, arms, and neck. Give your baby lots of floor time (outside of swings, bouncers, and walkers that restrict free movement). Physical activity helps wear your child out while building muscle memory they’ll use the rest of their life.

Not Enough Time Outdoors

Exposure to natural environments and sunlight has many benefits for baby sleep, including reduced stress, improved mood, and developmental support.

Benefits of outdoor play for baby sleep.

Summary

• 5 months is a very common age for sleep issues, due to the changes in how a baby’s brain experiences sleep.

• Sleep associations are usually to blame for poor sleep at this age, and can be resolved by teaching independent sleep skills.

• Follow a 3 nap schedule with 2 to 2.5 hour wake windows.

• Cat naps are normal until about 6 months. Don’t force long naps with sleep props.

• Offer lots of time for physical activity to practice milestones like rolling or sitting.

• Spend more time outside to support your baby’s sleep patterns and melatonin production.