Baby Bitesize | Split Nights Explained: The Whys Behind the 2 A.M. Wake-Up + What Helps
Description
If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 2 a.m. with a baby who is not crying, not hungry, but instead happily babbling, standing in the cot, or ready to start the day—you’ve met the world of split nights. These long stretches of middle-of-the-night wakefulness can feel confusing and exhausting for parents, especially when your little one seems perfectly content while you’re desperate for sleep. In this bite-size episode of Thriving Parenting, we unpack what’s really going on during split nights, why they happen, and how you can gently guide your baby or toddler back toward more restful, consolidated sleep.
You’ll learn:
- What split nights really are (and how they differ from regular night wakings).
- Why they happen—from developmental leaps to a mismatch between circadian rhythm and sleep pressure.
- Why they’re actually normal
- Practical steps to help—including adjusting naps, bedtime, and wake times, plus keeping things calm and boring at night.
- Real client stories that show how small tweaks can make a big difference.
Split nights might be normal, but they don’t have to derail your family’s sleep. With the right strategies, patience, and consistency, you can support your child back into more restful nights.
Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/
For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 81 Show Notes
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Until next time, Thrivers
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