16/02/2026
Your little one has finally fallen asleep, you’ve come downstairs excited to catch up on some Netflix. But 45mins later you’re running back upstairs to resettle!
False starts are very common but very frustrating! So let’s get into some reasons why this could be happening:
😀 Under-tiredness: not being tired enough means there’s not enough sleep pressure to help them fall asleep and to stay asleep. Remember we all have a set amount of sleep we need in 24 hours, it could be that you’re aiming for too much!
💜 Need for connection: our little ones need connection to feel safe, calm, to produce oxytocin and to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Make sure they are getting plenty of opportunity to connect with you on the lead up to bedtime.
😭 Dysregulation: although the term “overtiredness” is used far too often, you can be too dysregulated to fall asleep - too much sleep pressure can raise your cortisol levels and puts your body into a state of fight or flight. Be careful about sleep distribution during the day - they may need a shorter final wake window.
🎓 Developmental: babies brains are learning new things all the time, the architecture of the brain is rapidly changing, separation anxiety can increase… There’s so much going on that of course it can disrupt sleep! I know I don’t sleep as well when my brain has taken in a lot of information! Make sure they have plenty of time during the day to practise new skills, and include peek-a-boo style games to help develop object permanence!
I hope this helps! Sorry if your step count goes down though!
