8 month old sleep gone overnight! Will it resolve or is that the end of a night’s sleep?!

[Unsuremum23]

Going back to work in 3 weeks and I’m so worried. We were getting 11-6am and last couple of nights has been waking up 3 times for no reason, just playing in the cot, not hungry etc.

Could it be 8 month sleep regression or teething? It shouldn't last too long!

@surreyisik doesnt seem to be any particular reason for it. So stressed, couldn’t go back to sleep while he was awake even though he was just messing around in the cot.

Sounds like the 8 month separation anxiety phase. It's a tough one. We ended up co-sleeping as it was the only way to survive but DD still work up a lot. I just bf her back to sleep. It did get better around 10 months for us.

Have a look on the following instagrams as they have some great posts and tips on this:
Little nest sleep
Fox and the moon infant sleep
Second star to the right
Hey sleepy baby

Are they in their own room? Mine slept so much better once she was in her own room.

Yes own room. So stressed.

I think my eldest went through this phase. It didn't last long and as they were just playing (no distress/crying) I left them to it and they would just go back to sleep after a while. It's hard to sleep when they are awake but if they are not crying then they are just learning more about the world around them. Hopefully it won't last long but try not to worry as it won't help

The only thing that ever helped me was to remember everything at this point is a phase, might be a nice one, might be an awful one like this.

BUT before you know it they'll change again. You will sleep again!

I think my golden rule is... don't go to them unless they are crying. I know it's hard to settle yourself knowing he is awake, but if he's just chattering to himself and playing, leave him to it. Hopefully it will pass soon.

It’s understandable to be stressed. Sleep deprived isn’t fun for anybody. However with an 8 month old you’re in for a few years yet of both good and bad patches of sleep - it will not remain constant for any child. I’d try your best to take it in your stride and get rest where you can.