How Long Should Sleep Treatment Take? Short-Term Focus, Long-Term Change

When families turn to us for help with sleep challenges, they’re often exhausted, overwhelmed, and desperate for relief. Many have already spent months—sometimes years—trying to “fix” sleep, only to feel like they’re stuck in a cycle of short-lived progress and long-term frustration. But here’s the reality: with the right focus and support, even the most stubborn sleep problems can see significant improvement in just 5-6 weeks.

Why is this timeline so important? Because momentum matters. When families spend months in what I call “sleep purgatory,” working on the same routines without seeing real results, motivation plummets. Progress feels out of reach, and caregivers start to lose confidence. That’s why making sleep a short-term priority—while staying realistic about long-term sustainability—is the key to lasting success.

So, what does short-term focus really look like? It means treating sleep as a priority, not just another box to check. During ABA sessions, this might involve using session goals to build daytime skills that support better sleep at night—like practicing transitions away from screens, introducing calming activities, or rehearsing bedtime routines during the day. It’s about weaving sleep-related skills into everything we do, not isolating them as a “special topic” once a month.

Outside of session, caregivers play a crucial role in moving the needle quickly. They don’t have to overhaul every aspect of the child’s routine overnight, but small, consistent adjustments can make a world of difference. Things like:

✔️ Establishing a consistent wake time in the morning (yes, even on weekends!)
✔️ Building predictable, low-effort wind-down routines in the evening
✔️ Supporting the child in falling asleep in the same place they’ll stay all night

These are the kinds of changes that lead to early “wins,” and those wins are critical. When families see progress quickly—like more efficient bedtimes or fewer night wakings—they’re more likely to keep going. They’re more willing to stick with changes that might seem small or meaningless because they’re already feeling the reinforcement of better sleep.

But here’s an important caveat: for real, meaningful change to happen in 5-6 weeks, the BCBA needs to be engaged, too. Checking in only once a month won’t cut it. If the BCBA’s schedule is tight, consider leveraging RBTs or mid-tier staff to keep sleep goals front and center. Consistency and active support are what keep families engaged—and when we lose interest, so do they.

It’s also important to remember that while 5-6 weeks can bring big improvements, sleep support is not a one-and-done process. Sleep will always be tested by travel, illness, growth spurts, and life’s many transitions. That’s why our ultimate goal is not just to “fix” sleep now but to equip families with the skills, routines, and confidence they need to adapt and rebuild whenever sleep challenges crop up again.

This is what sets sustainable sleep systems apart from temporary fixes. When we prioritize efficient progress, build in flexibility, and support caregivers every step of the way, we’re not just creating better nights—we’re creating stronger systems.

Enrollment for the August cohort of The Sleep Collective is now open! This is your chance to learn how to bring this same balance of short-term wins and long-term sustainability to your practice as a Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner. Spots always fill quickly—register today and start transforming sleep for the families you serve.