Why is My Baby Up at 2AM and Ready to Party?

As an infant sleep consultant, one of the most common issues parents face is dealing with split nights. These are those frustrating times when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, wide awake and ready to play for hours before finally falling back asleep. If you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not alone and that there are ways to manage it.

What Are Split Nights?

Split nights occur when a baby wakes up during the night and stays awake for an extended period before falling back asleep. This can be due to several reasons:

1. Overtiredness

When babies are overtired, they often have difficulty staying asleep and may wake up fully alert during the night. This is because their bodies are too stressed to transition smoothly through sleep cycles.

2. Under-tiredness

If your baby isn't tired enough when they go to bed, they might wake up in the middle of the night ready to play. Ensuring they're getting the right amount of daytime sleep is crucial to prevent this.

3. Developmental Milestones

Crawling, walking, and talking are exciting milestones that can disrupt sleep. Babies might wake up to practice their new skills, leading to split nights.

4. Sleep Environment

An uncomfortable sleep environment can lead to wakefulness. It's essential to ensure that the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

Tips to Manage Split Nights

Managing split nights requires a balanced approach to your baby's sleep schedule and environment. Here are some practical tips to help:

1. Adjust Daytime Sleep

Balance is key. Too much or too little daytime sleep can contribute to split nights. Aim for appropriate nap times based on your baby's age. Too many naps or naps that are too long can leave your baby under-tired at bedtime, while too few or too short naps can lead to overtiredness.

2. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A soothing and consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep for the night. This could include activities like a warm bath, reading a story, or gentle rocking.

3. Check Wake Windows

Ensure your baby's wake windows (the time they are awake between naps) are appropriate for their age. This helps in preventing both overtiredness and under-tiredness, which can contribute to split nights.

4. Create a Calming Sleep Environment

A dark, quiet room with white noise can help your baby stay asleep longer. Make sure the sleep environment is comfortable and free from distractions. Blackout curtains and a white noise machine can be very helpful.

5. Be Patient and Consistent

Changes won't happen overnight. Stay consistent with your sleep strategies, and give your baby time to adjust. Consistency is key in helping your baby understand when it’s time to sleep.

Need Personalised Help?

Every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. If you're struggling with split nights and need personalised advice, I’m here to help! Let's work together to create a customised sleep plan for your baby, so you can all enjoy restful nights.