Sleep struggle 5 month old

Hi, my baby is 5 months old and I’m really struggling with his sleep.
I understand that waking for feeds is normal, but he wakes up almost every hour. He usually goes to sleep around 8:00–9:00 pm and gives one longer stretch of about 2 hours. After that, the wake-ups become very frequent. For example, if he wakes around 1:00 am, he then starts waking every 1 to 1.5 hours.
Most of the time, he doesn’t even feed properly he just keeps the nipple in his mouth for comfort and falls back asleep.
I’m feeling extremely exhausted and sleep deprived. He is exclusively breastfed and does not accept a bottle at all.
I’m not sure how to manage this situation or how to break this pattern. Any advice would really help.

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My baby is doing exactly the same…. We’re feeling exhausted

My little one does the same but she doesn't open her eyes she just tossed and turns. Turns out she isn't actually waking she's just getting in to a dream and going over the skills she is learning. Try not to attempt a feed because it does become a habit where they'll want that for comfort to resettle. The advice I got was just have a cuddle and rock them or hum a little to resettle them. It's basically them trying to get into new sleep patterns. Hope this helps

I ended up stopping breastfeeding at this point because my baby did this exact thing. It’s really hard but you’re either going to have to stop feeding him during the night (at least as much as you are now) or move him into his own room. He wont like it but you will just have to sort of sleep train him and try to get him to self soothe. Good luck!!x

Sounds really rough!! You def need a break and more sleep.
waking for feeds should be reducing at this age, so it sounds like feeding is a way of resettling and shifting through sleep cycles?
If so, think you’re right in needing to break pattern and to wean him off feeding to sleep. Try other ways to resettle first before offering feed as the last resort?
Imagine you’re trying this but having a bedtime routine, structured day naps can all help.
8-9pm bedtime is perhaps a little late, keeping in mind cortisol levels & sleep pressure throughout a 24hr period.

Little Ones sleep app can suggest routines, and cues and how to resettle without feeding.

Weaning off feeding to settle and sleep may be short term pain for long term gain. Apparently it takes 3 nights for a baby to form a habit, so consistency is key.

Best of luck!

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