The Night 5 Regression

If you’ve started sleep training and things seemed to be improving—only to suddenly fall apart around night 5—you’re not alone. In fact, this dip is so common that it has a name: The Night 5 Regression.

It’s frustrating. It’s discouraging. And it’s often the exact moment parents think, “Maybe this just isn’t working.” But here’s the truth…

Night 5 doesn’t mean the method has failed. It means your baby is learning.

What Is the Night 5 Regression?

Around the fifth night of sleep training (especially with a method like Sleep Sense), many babies go through a sudden spike in protest. You might notice:

• Longer crying at bedtime (even more than on night 1)

• Increased night waking

• Resistance that seems to come out of nowhere

This can feel incredibly disheartening, especially if the first few nights went better than expected. But this is actually a really predictable—and temporary—part of the learning process.

Why It Happens

Think of the first few nights of sleep training like your baby being surprised by a pop quiz. They weren’t sure what was happening, so they gave it a shot. But by night 4 or 5, they’ve figured out that something has changed... and now they’re pushing back.

This protest isn’t about pain or fear—it’s about adaptation. Babies are smart. They test boundaries to see if the rules still apply. And when you stay consistent, they learn something incredibly valuable: “I know what’s expected, and I’m capable of doing it.”

That’s the moment sleep starts to click.

What NOT to Do on Night 5

The biggest mistake I see? Giving up.

If you shift your plan, offer more help, or return to the old routine just because your baby seems to have “gotten worse,” you risk undoing the progress you’ve made. And then you have to start all over again—only now, your baby has learned that holding out longer gets results.

This makes future attempts much harder.

What TO Do on Night 5

• Stay the course. If you’ve been consistent and the method is aligned with your baby’s age and temperament, trust the process. This pushback is expected—and it will pass.

• Keep your response predictable. The more consistent you are, the sooner your baby adapts. Don’t introduce new sleep crutches or shift your plan mid-regression.

• Remind yourself why you started. This moment is tough, but restful nights, better naps, and a happier baby are on the other side. You’re not failing—you’re in the thick of growth.

• Lean on support. If you’re working with me or another consultant, check in. We can talk through what’s normal, what might need adjusting, and how to stay strong through the regression.

The Night 5 Regression isn’t a sign to stop. It’s a sign your baby is learning a new way to sleep—and that learning isn’t always linear. You might feel like you’ve taken two steps back, but in reality, you’re right on track.

If you can hang on for just a few more nights, you’ll likely see a major breakthrough around night 6 or 7. And when that happens, you’ll be so glad you didn’t give up.

You’ve got this. And if you need someone to remind you of that in the thick of a hard night? I’m just a message away.