Naps vs Night Sleep Training
Short Answer :
Nap sleep and night sleep use the same skills but operate under different biological pressures, which means they should be approached separately and sequentially, not simultaneously.
Why Nights Are Easier Than Naps
Night sleep is supported by:
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Strong circadian rhythm
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Higher sleep pressure
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Melatonin release
Naps lack these supports, making them:
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Shorter
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More fragile
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More sensitive to timing
This is why many babies sleep well at night before naps improve.
(Foundation: What Is Sleep Training?)
Should You Train Nights or Naps First?
In most cases, night sleep should be trained first.
Reasons:
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Faster results
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Less crying overall
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Stronger skill transfer to naps
Attempting both simultaneously often overwhelms babies and parents.
(Related: Why Sleep Training Fails)
How Night Sleep Influences Naps
Once a baby can fall asleep independently at night:
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Nap resistance usually decreases
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Nap length often improves gradually
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Nap timing becomes more predictable
Naps often lag behind nights by 1–3 weeks.
(Read also: Sleep Training at 4–6 Months)
When to Start Nap Training
Nap training is usually more successful when:
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Night sleep is stable
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Wake windows are age-appropriate
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Bedtime battles are minimal
Signs naps are ready:
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Consistent morning wake time
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Predictable sleepy cues
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Reduced overtiredness
(See age guides: 4–6 Months, 7–9 Months, 10–12 Months)
Common Nap Training Mistakes
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Expecting long naps immediately
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Training naps during regressions
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Rescuing every short nap
Short naps are normal during transitions.
(Related: Night Wakings After Sleep Training)
Toddler Naps vs Night Sleep
For toddlers, naps can interfere with night sleep.
Common patterns:
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Late naps delay bedtime
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Nap refusal increases night overtiredness
Balancing naps becomes more important than training technique.
(Read next: Toddler Sleep Training)
Most Parents Also Struggle With
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Short naps after night training
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Nap refusal phases
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Deciding when to drop a nap
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