Sleep Detectives: Back After Sickness, Do You Sleep Train Again?

Sleep Detectives: Back After Sickness, Do You Sleep Train Again?

Author: Sally Woods and Bec Maher May 6, 2026 Duration: 12:34

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Did your amazing sleeper suddenly turn into a night owl after a head cold—and now you're wondering if you have to start sleep training all over again? You're not alone, and the answer might surprise you.


In this bonus Sleep Detectives episode, Sally and Bec tackle a real question from listener Bridget, whose nine-month-old went from great sleeper to two weeks of crap nights after a head cold. Her previous sleep consultant said to start sleep training from scratch—but is that really necessary? Sally and Bec break down exactly how to audit your situation, when to temporarily reintroduce a third nap, and why hitting reset after sickness is nothing like starting from scratch.


What You'll Learn:

• Why sickness throws sleep off and what's actually happening when your good sleeper regresses

• How to audit your baby's room environment, nap structure, and feeds before doing anything else

• When to temporarily reintroduce a third nap at nine months—and why it's not a backward step

• Why staying consistent during illness (rather than adding extra sleep and feeds) protects your hard work

• The difference between a sleep reset and full sleep training—and why your baby's skills are still there

• How to frame overnight waking during a reset so it feels manageable, not overwhelming

• Why babies are pattern-seekers and will cotton back on to good sleep habits faster than you think


Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:05 Bridget's Question: Nine-Month Sleep Regression After Sickness

02:20 The Audit: Room Environment and Nap Structure

03:25 When to Reintroduce the Third Nap

05:08 It's a Reset, Not Sleep Training From Scratch

07:00 How to Handle Sleep During Illness Without Creating New Habits

09:50 Enticing Sleep Skills Back Out—What to Expect


🎙️ ABOUT NAP TRAPPED

Hosted by sleep consultants Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre), Nap Trapped helps tired parents solve baby sleep challenges with warmth, evidence, and no judgement. Every week we turn your questions into practical solutions—with a side of Aldi chocolate.


Links

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📸 Follow Sally & Bec on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesleepconcierge/

https://www.instagram.com/_thesleepcentre/


🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts


Ever found yourself stuck on the couch, scrolling in the quiet, while your little one finally sleeps? You're not alone, and that's exactly where Nap Trapped finds its groove. Hosted by Australian sleep consultants Sally Woods of The Sleep Concierge and Bec Maher from The Sleep Centre, this podcast meets you in that exhausted, sometimes isolating space. It’s a direct conversation between two experts who are also mums, blending solid, evidence-based strategies with the real-world chaos of family life. They break down the 'why' behind restless nights and short naps, moving beyond rigid rules to offer adaptable, practical solutions that actually fit your day. The tone is all solidarity and zero judgment, recognising that every family's sleep journey is different. You'll hear honest stories, debunk common myths, and get actionable advice that aims to bring more rest to your household, not just your baby. Tune into Nap Trapped for a genuinely helpful mix of professional insight and relatable commiseration, all delivered with a warm, Aussie sensibility. It's the kind of podcast you listen to while you're, well, nap trapped, and finish feeling equipped and understood.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 84

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