3-Year-Old Sleep Regression: Causes And Tips To Manage It

Learning to deal with sleep disruptions in kids is crucial as they can affect development.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elham Raker, MD Dr. Elham Raker Dr. Elham RakerMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTubeFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: PediatricsExperience: 6 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
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A 3-Year-Old Baby Girl With Sleep Regression

image: Shutterstock

A 3-year-old’s sleep regression could be due to hyperstimulation of their senses caused by a toddler’s swift learning and development. This rapid development may cause a shift in their sleeping pattern. A toddler who would sleep well would suddenly show a change in sleeping patterns. They would have disturbed sleep and may even be cranky after waking up. These sleep regressions usually last a few weeks (1).

As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 20 to 50 percent of children may be affected by sleep disorders, including sleep regressions. Therefore, they are not uncommon, and you may have observed your child go through them since infancy (2).

A child goes through sleep regressions at four months, six months, 12 months, and 18 months. However, you may have successfully established a healthy sleep routine by two years for them. Hence, encountering a sleep regression at three years could seem difficult. Do not worry, as this is temporary. Here’s more on what you can expect during sleep regression during this age.

In This Article

How Long Does The Three-Year Sleep Regression Last?

Like any other sleep regression, the three-year-old’s sleep regression lasts for a few weeks(3)

. If the underlying cause of the regression can be identified, the regression might end sooner by addressing the issue. However, in most cases, the cause of regression is not known. A little patience is needed to go through this phase.

What Causes The Three-Year Sleep Regression?

While the causes for three-year-old’s sleep regression are not always known, some factors are believed to lead to it.

1. Developmental milestones

Rapid development may overwhelm the child

Image: Shutterstock

Three-year-olds develop several social, motor, and language skills. All these changes in growth and development may overwhelm the child, causing temporary disruptions in their sleep pattern. Physical changes and developmental milestones may also be the reasons for sleep regressions.

Three-year-olds learn to climb, run, walk, and cycle. They also begin to experience a wide range of emotions and may exhibit emotional development attributes, such as concern for a crying friend and showing affection. The developed emotional intelligence makes the toddler more prone to becoming upset, leading to sleep regression (4).

2. Fears, phobias, and nightmares

Nightmares may cause sleep regression in 3-year-olds

Image: Shutterstock

Three-year-olds begin to develop a vivid imagination, and the newly developed imagination brings many fears as well. Nightmares are very common in children between the ages of three and six years (5). Although most children outgrow them, this fear might bring sleep regressions.

protip_icon Be watchful
Some symptoms of nightmares in children may be uncontrollable crying, fast breathing, sweating, screaming, or staring (8).

3. Environmental changes

A changed environment may cause 3-year-old sleep regression

Image: Shutterstock

Many children move to their toddler bed from their crib at around three years of age (6) (7). Many children also begin to go to nursery school or daycare at about three years of age. This is also the age for a new sibling in the home, which is a very common cause of sleep regression in toddlers. These changes in their surroundings might make them seek more attention at home, and they might begin to exhibit signs of sleep regression.

4. Changes to their nap schedule

Some children begin to drop their naps once they are three years old (2). They are very active at this age, and they don’t want to miss any fun by napping. This may lead to exhaustion by the end of the day. If they go to bed very tired, they remain hyperstimulated and won’t be able to get enough sleep.

Tips To Manage Sleep Regression In A Three-Year-Old

The following parenting tips may make it a little easier to go through this testing phase (6).

  • Establish a bedtime routine. Follow the routine and the timings as much as possible.
  • Keep the bedroom ambiance cool, calm, dark, and comfortable.
Keep the bedroom ambiance cool, calm, and comfortable

Image: Shutterstock

  • Turn off the bright lights 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Bathing or reading them bedtime stories may also help transition them to a calmer state of mind before laying them on the bed.
  • Set a limit to the number of books you will read to them or the number of songs you will sing.
  • Ensure the bedroom is free of any screen time and strictly use it as a place to sleep.
  • All screen time should be ideally stopped two hours before bedtime.
  • Limit snacks and drinks before bed to minimize bathroom breaks at night.
  • Support your child and be gentle while explaining to them the importance of following the bedtime routine.
protip_icon Quick tip
Let your child take their favorite thing to bed. It helps them fall asleep even when they wake up. However, ensure the object does not cause any choking hazard (9).
  • If you feel that the child is unable to sleep due to fear, get a night light to keep the room dimly lit. Talk to them. Try to find out if something is bothering them emotionally.
Try to find out if something is bothering them

Image: Shutterstock

  • If the toddler seems to have separation anxiety, check in on them briefly during nap time and night sleep.
  • If the bedtime sleep struggles are at a peak already, do not keep on discussing it all day as it may increase their bedtime anxiety and make the toddler resist sleep more.

It is common for parents to experience frustration, tiredness and get dependent on coping techniques, such as co-sleeping or holding the child while sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend these for the safety of the child (3). Remember that it is a phase, and the toddler will soon return to the usual sleeping patterns.

protip_icon Quick fact
Most cases of sleep regression only last for two to four weeks if the child has no health issues. Therefore, it is important for parents to continue the sleep routine and not change it to accommodate their child’s new behavior (10).

When To See A Doctor?

Most sleep regressions pass within three to four weeks without the need for medical intervention. However, you may contact a healthcare provider if your toddler displays any of the following conditions.

  • Snoring, unusual noises, or pauses in breathing while asleep
  • Excess sleepiness during the day
  • Toddler displays changes in behavior during waking hours
  • Frequent sleep disturbances due to nightmares
  • Sleep regression persists for more than four weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time should a 3 year old go to bed?

The recommended bedtime for a 3-year-old child is before eight in the evening. It is essential to establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a relaxing environment to help them get a good night’s sleep. Irrespective of their bedtime, it’s important to ensure they get 10-13 hours of sleep (8).

2. How do you know when sleep regression has ended in a 3-year-old?

Sleep regression in a 3-year-old usually lasts a few weeks and can end when the child adjusts to changes in their schedule or environment. Signs that sleep regression has ended include your child sleeping through the night, taking longer and more restful naps, improved mood and behavior, and increased energy and activity levels (9).

3. What age is the biggest sleep regression?

According to sleep experts, the four-month sleep regression, which drastically alters a baby’s sleep pattern, is considered the largest among all the other regressions (10).

4. What not to do during sleep regression?

During your child’s sleep regression phase, don’t let them stay in their bedrooms before bedtime, and remove screen time from their bedtime routine. Furthermore, try not to rush to comfort them or pick them up when they wake up crying (11)

Establishing a bedtime routine, keeping the lights dim, and limiting snacks before bedtime can help with night waking or sleep regression in three-year-olds. However, consult the doctor if you notice signs of behavioral change or sleep regression lasting more than four weeks. It is not something to worry about if your three-year-old does not show signs of sleep regression. It might occur a few days before or after they cross the three-month mark. It is essential to have patience and support for your child to help overcome this phase.

Infographic: What Are The Signs Of Sleep Regression In A Three-Year-Old Child?

Sleep regression can come and go during early childhood. Knowing the signs of sleep regression can help you differentiate between sleep disturbances and other sleep-related conditions requiring medical care. Go through the infographic to learn the signs of sleep regression in three-year-old children.

signs of sleep regression in a three year old child (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • A three-year-old’s sleep regression usually occurs due to developmental milestones, a normal part of growing up.
  • Phobias and changes in the ambient environment are some problems that may lead to sleep regression.
  • Sleep regression and changes in sleep patterns do not last more than four weeks. If they do, consult a doctor.
3 year old sleep regression_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team


Having a toddler who won’t sleep can be stressful. The video below includes some tips on how to deal with sleep regressions. Learn how to get your toddler back to sleeping through the night.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Everything you need to know about 9-month sleep regression;CHOC Children’s
2. Children and Sleep;Sleep Foundation
3. Infant Sleep Regressions;SleepAdvisor
4. Important Milestones: Your Child By Three Years;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
5. Night terrors and nightmares;NHS
6. Sleep in Toddlers & Preschoolers;Cleveland Clinic
7. Baby care – moving from cot to bed;Victoria State Government
8. How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?; Sleep Foundation
9. Child regression: What it is and how you can support your little one; UNICEF
10. Understanding and Navigating Sleep Regressions; PennMedicine

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Dr. Elham Raker
Dr. Elham RakerMD
Elham Raker is a board-certified pediatrician and parent coach. Over the span of her six-year career, she has worked in different clinical settings, including outpatient, urgent care, hospital care, emergency room, and home-based care.

Read full bio of Dr. Elham Raker
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Vidya Tadapatri
Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

Read full bio of Vidya Tadapatri