Could my almost 8-month-old baby not sleeping be due to separation anxiety?

Yes, it is possible that your baby's sleep disturbances could be due to separation anxiety. Around 8 months old, children may start to experience fear of abandonment, which can cause them to wake up and cry when they don't see their parents. To help alleviate this anxiety, it is recommended to avoid leaving the room when your baby is not looking or asleep, and instead reassure them before they fall asleep that you will come back after their nap. This approach may help ease your baby's fears of abandonment and improve their sleep patterns.