Dreading Bedtime? Why January Is a Kind Time to Support Your Child’s Sleep
If you’re dreading bedtime, you’re not alone.
Many parents search for help in January after weeks (or months) of disrupted nights, long bedtimes and broken sleep. When evenings begin to feel stressful rather than calm, it can affect the whole family — especially exhausted parents.
If bedtime feels heavy right now, January can be a surprisingly supportive time to gently work on your child’s sleep.
Why children’s sleep often struggles after Christmas
It’s very common for baby and toddler sleep to feel harder after the festive period.
Christmas brings excitement, visitors, later nights, changes to routine and lots of stimulation. Even children who usually sleep well can struggle once their normal rhythm has been disrupted.
By January, many parents notice:
bedtime taking longer
more night wakings
early mornings
children finding it harder to settle
parents feeling anxious or overwhelmed at bedtime
This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Sleep is sensitive to change, and children often need time — and support — to settle back into a rhythm.
Why January can help reset sleep gently
January naturally brings a slower pace.
There are fewer social commitments, more predictable days, and more opportunity to rebuild routines calmly. Importantly, the darker nights can make it easier for little bodies to feel ready for sleep, as natural light levels support the body’s sleep cues.
For many families, this makes January an ideal time to focus on:
rebuilding bedtime routines
supporting settling in a calmer way
working with your child’s sleep, not against it
Rather than pushing for quick fixes, January allows space for gentle, sustainable change.
Gentle sleep support (without leaving your child to cry)
Working on children’s sleep doesn’t have to involve forcing independence or leaving your child to cry.
Gentle sleep support focuses on:
responding to your child’s emotional needs
supporting them through change
helping parents feel confident and reassured at bedtime
Sleep is a developmental skill, and every child’s journey is different. With the right support, progress can happen in a way that feels calm, connected and respectful.
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed at bedtime
If you find yourself:
dreading evenings
feeling tense as bedtime approaches
longing for calmer nights or time to yourself again
please know this is a very common experience — and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
With gentle, responsive support, bedtime can feel lighter, evenings can become calmer, and sleep can improve in a way that feels right for your family.
Local gentle sleep support in Lancashire and beyond
I support families in Lancashire and the surrounding areas, as well as families online across the UK, offering gentle, tailored sleep support for babies, toddlers and young children.
If you’re wondering whether sleep support could help your family, you’re always welcome to get in touch or ask a question.