Is Teething Wrecking Your Baby’s Sleep? Here’s What’s Actually Going On

You’ve finally nailed a rhythm. Naps are predictable(ish), bedtimes feel less chaotic and then boom: your baby starts teething.....

So what’s actually going on..... and is teething really to blame?

Let’s dive into what the science says, what’s myth, and what you can actually do about it.

Teething: Painful, Yes — But Not the Whole Story

When a tooth is cutting through the gum line, it causes localised inflammation, pressure, and sometimes a dull, aching pain. This is especially disruptive during the lighter stages of sleep, which dominate the second half of the night (a.k.a. the dreaded 2–5 a.m. window).

Fun fact: Babies spend more time in REM sleep during the early morning hours. REM is where the brain is highly active, and the body is more likely to stir. Add in sore gums and you’ve got a baby who just can’t resettle.

But here’s what’s important: Teething discomfort comes and goes and it usually only affects sleep for 5-7 nights per tooth. If your baby has been waking hourly for weeks, it’s probably not just teething.

What Teething Doesn’t Do (Despite the Rumours)

There’s so much misinformation online, and as a sleep consultant I hear it all. So let’s set the record straight.

Teething does not cause:

• High fevers (above 38°C)

• Diarrhoea

• Persistent vomiting

• Weeks of poor sleep

A 2016 review in Paediatrics found that while teething might cause mild symptoms like increased drooling, fussiness, and a slight rise in temperature..... the severe stuff? It’s likely unrelated and your baby might actually be sick!

So if your baby is suddenly waking multiple times overnight, don’t chalk it all up to teething. Often, it’s a perfect storm of teething + over tiredness + feeding to sleep + motion naps and that’s where sleep starts to unravel.

Here’s Why Teething Hurts So Much More at Night

Parents often tell me, “She’s fine during the day, but at night she’s inconsolable.” That’s not in your head.... it’s biology.

✔️ Melatonin rises at night, which increases pain sensitivity ✔️ There’s less distraction, so babies focus more on discomfort ✔️ Inflammatory markers (like cytokines) surge during nighttime hours ✔️ Babies naturally spend more time in light sleep after midnight

Basically, their body is primed to feel more at night, which is why pain that’s manageable during the day becomes a full-blown scream-fest at 2 a.m.

Should You Sleep Train While Teething?

This is a big question. My answer? It depends.

If your baby is clearly in pain with red, swollen gums, crying while chewing, or resisting feeds it’s totally okay to pause your sleep training for a night or two and offer some extra comfort.

But here’s the thing: teething is almost constant between 6 and 24 months. If we stop every time a tooth is "on the move," we risk undoing all the great sleep progress they’ve made.

👉 What I recommend:

• Stick to your routine

• Stay consistent with how your baby falls asleep

• Offer pain relief if needed (check with your GP or pharmacist)

• Avoid reintroducing old sleep props (like feeding or rocking to sleep for longer than 2-3 nights)

What’s Actually Happening During Sleep (and Why It Matters)

Sleep isn’t just rest, it’s developmental gold. Here’s why protecting your baby’s sleep, even during teething, is so important:

Deep Sleep (early night):Where growth hormone is released, physical repair happens, and the immune system strengthens.

REM Sleep (early morning):Where the brain files memories, processes emotion, and supports cognitive development.

When babies have fragmented sleep, they miss out on both. That’s why chronic night waking even if it starts with teething is worth addressing.

How to Support Your Baby’s Sleep During Teething

Pain Relief Is Okay! Don’t be afraid to use paracetamol or ibuprofen if your baby is clearly uncomfortable. Always check with your doctor first, of course.

Cold Teething Toys During the Day Frozen washcloths, silicone teethers, and chilled spoons can take the edge off before bedtime as they numb the nerve endings!

Stick to the Routine- Predictability helps your baby’s brain know what’s coming, which reduces anxiety and sets the stage for better sleep even on tough nights.

Stay Consistent With Settling Comfort them, yes but don’t go back to feeding or rocking for days on end if your long-term goal is independent sleep. You can offer reassurance without undoing the progress.

Watch Their Temperature A baby’s body temp naturally dips in the early hours of the morning. If they’re waking more around 3–5 a.m., consider a warmer sleep setup (3.5 tog sleep sack, socks, long sleeves).

Final Thoughts: Sleep Is Healthcare

Teething can be tough but it doesn’t have to derail everything. Sleep is essential to your baby’s immune function, brain development, and overall wellbeing. Supporting them through the discomfort without overhauling everything is the key to long-term success.

If you’re stuck in a cycle of disrupted nights and constant wake-ups, teething might be part of the story but it’s rarely the whole thing. That’s where a personalised plan, built around your baby’s unique needs, can make all the difference.

Need help getting sleep on track teething and all? I’ve got you.

Explore my 7-Day Sleep Reset to get started.

Book now