Ashwin Lewis
Newborns sleep a lot, but can they sleep too much? It's a question many new parents ask, and the answer is not always clear-cut. While it's normal for newborns to sleep up to 14 to 17 hours a day, including daytime naps, their sleep patterns can be erratic and unpredictable. Newborns may sleep in short, unorganized chunks of time, making it challenging to establish a consistent sleep schedule. They also need to wake up frequently for feedings due to their tiny tummies, which can further disrupt their sleep patterns. In general, a newborn who sleeps excessively and isn't waking up for feedings may be a cause for concern, as it could interfere with their weight gain and overall health. However, occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for worry and could be due to factors such as growth spurts or recent vaccinations. Consulting a pediatrician or healthcare provider is recommended if parents have concerns about their newborn's sleep patterns or notice any concerning symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal sleep duration for newborns | 14-17 hours within a 24-hour period, up to 22 hours for preemies |
| Normal sleep duration for infants (4-11 months old) | 12-15 hours each day |
| Normal sleep duration for infants (4-12 months old) | 12-16 hours daily |
| Normal sleep duration for infants (older) | 13-14 hours daily by 4-6 months |
| Normal sleep duration for newborns (first month) | Up to 22 hours, decreasing to 20 hours in the first two weeks |
| Normal sleep duration for newborns (4 months) | 17 hours or less per day |
| Minimum feeding frequency for newborns | Every 2-4 hours |
| Feeding frequency for breastfed newborns | Every 2 hours |
| Feeding frequency for bottle-fed newborns | Every 2-3 hours |
| Feeding frequency for breastfed babies | 8-12 times a day |
| Feeding frequency for bottle-fed babies | 5-8 times a day |
| Reasons for excessive sleep | Illness, growth spurt, dehydration, jaundice, underlying health condition |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, but some may sleep up to 18-22 hours
- Newborns have erratic sleep patterns, sleeping in unpredictable, short chunks of time
- Newborns need to be woken up to feed every 2-4 hours
- Oversleeping could be a sign of an underlying health condition
- Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern
Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, but some may sleep up to 18-22 hours
However, it is important to ensure that your newborn is getting enough food, even if they are sleeping a lot. Newborns need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they need, and if they sleep too much, they may miss necessary feedings. Breastfed newborns typically nurse every 2 hours from the start of their last session, and bottle-fed babies tend to eat every 2-3 hours. If your newborn is sleeping so much that they are not waking up to eat every 2-4 hours, you should talk to your pediatrician.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping more than 20 hours a day, it may indicate an underlying health condition, and you should consult your baby's pediatrician. Some babies sleep too much because they have jaundice, which is common in newborns, particularly those born before 38 weeks. Newborns with jaundice tend to sleep more than newborns without jaundice, and it can usually be identified by a yellow colour in their skin and eyes.
If your newborn is sleeping too much and missing feedings, there are some strategies you can try before calling the doctor. You can offer the baby the breast, chest, or bottle every 1-2 hours to ensure adequate food intake, make sure that the baby is not too hot or cold, and keep a log of the baby's sleep schedule for 1-2 days.
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Newborns have erratic sleep patterns, sleeping in unpredictable, short chunks of time
It is common for newborns to sleep a lot—between 14 and 17 hours a day, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Preemies can sleep up to 22 hours a day. Newborns need a lot of rest as they grow and develop, and their sleep patterns can be erratic, unpredictable, and in short chunks of time.
Newborns don't produce melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, so they can't differentiate between day and night. Their sleep patterns can be chaotic, and it can be difficult to keep tabs on their overall sleeping and eating patterns. It's normal for sleep periods to be in flux, and newborns are not developmentally ready to be on a sleep schedule.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for concern. However, if a newborn is sleeping so much that they aren't waking up to eat every two to four hours, it's important to consult a pediatrician. Breastfed newborns typically nurse every two hours, while formula-fed babies tend to eat every three to four hours. If a newborn is sleeping too much and missing feedings, it can interfere with their weight gain and growth.
In rare cases, a baby may have an underlying medical condition that causes them to sleep too much. For example, some babies sleep too much because they have jaundice, a respiratory infection, or another illness. If a newborn is sleeping more than 20 hours a day or displaying other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice.
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Newborns need to be woken up to feed every 2-4 hours
Breastfed newborns typically nurse every 2 hours from the start of their last session, and bottle-fed babies tend to eat every 2-3 hours. If your newborn is sleeping so much that they aren't waking up to eat every 2-4 hours, talk to your pediatrician. For the first two to three weeks, keep a close eye on the clock and wake your baby when it's time for them to eat. Breastfed babies shouldn't go longer than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours.
If your baby is sleeping a lot, it's important to understand their sleep patterns to protect their health. Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn's longer bouts of sleep are accompanied by a fever or signs of respiratory distress, call your pediatrician immediately. Also, call the doctor if your baby doesn't wake up regularly to eat. These could be signs of a more serious medical issue.
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Oversleeping could be a sign of an underlying health condition
Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, with some sleeping up to 18-19 hours. This is because they are growing and developing at a rapid pace, and their bodies need rest to keep up with these changes. However, if a newborn is sleeping so much that they are missing feedings and not gaining weight, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Signs that a newborn is sleeping too much
If a newborn is sleeping too much, they may exhibit certain signs, including:
- Sleeping more than 19-20 hours a day: While newborns can sleep up to 22 hours a day in the first few weeks, this rapidly decreases to 17 hours or less per day by four months of age. Sleeping more than these averages could indicate a problem.
- Not waking for feedings: Newborns should feed every 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. If a newborn is sleeping through feedings and not getting enough nourishment, it could impact their weight gain.
- Unusual drowsiness: If a newborn seems unusually drowsy or lethargic, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough food or that there is another issue interfering with their sleep.
Potential health conditions
If a newborn is sleeping too much, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Some possible conditions include:
- Respiratory or breathing issues: Minor infections or respiratory distress in older babies can be much more dangerous in newborns.
- Heart disorders: Conditions affecting the heart can impact a newborn's sleep patterns.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is common in newborns, especially those born prematurely. It can cause them to sleep more than usual and may be accompanied by a yellow tint to the skin and eyes, as well as difficulty eating and irritability.
- Dehydration and weight loss: If a newborn is not waking up to feed, they may become dehydrated and lose weight, which can lead to a failure to thrive.
When to seek help
If you are concerned that your newborn is sleeping too much, it is important to consult a pediatrician or a healthcare provider. They can offer advice and guidance based on the individual needs and development of your baby. In some cases, excessive sleep in newborns may be a sign of a more serious medical issue, so it is always best to seek professional advice if you have any doubts or concerns.
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Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal for newborns and usually not a cause for concern. Newborns sleep a lot—typically around 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period—to support their rapid growth and development. Their sleep patterns can be erratic, with short and unpredictable sleep and wake windows of 30 to 90 minutes.
It is important to ensure that newborns are getting enough food, even if they are sleeping a lot. Breastfed newborns should feed every 1.5 to 3 hours, while formula-fed newborns should feed every 2 to 4 hours. If a newborn is sleeping so much that they are missing feedings, this can interfere with their weight gain and growth. In this case, it is recommended to wake them to feed every 2 to 4 hours and consult a pediatrician or nursing expert.
While occasional increased sleep is normal, there are some circumstances in which it could indicate an underlying issue. If a newborn is sleeping more than 19 to 20 hours a day and is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake for feedings, it is recommended to contact a healthcare provider. In rare cases, excessive sleep in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, jaundice, or other medical conditions.
It is also important to be aware of other concerning symptoms, such as trouble waking up, extreme fussiness when awake, or signs of dehydration. If a newborn is sleeping too much during naps, it may also cause problems with nighttime sleep, resulting in frequent wakings or early morning wakings. In these cases, it is recommended to cap daytime sleep to no more than four hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need a lot of sleep, typically between 14 and 17 hours a day, though some may sleep up to 18 or 19 hours. Preemies can sleep up to 22 hours in a 24-hour period.
Yes, a newborn can sleep too much, particularly if they are missing feedings or not gaining enough weight. If your newborn is sleeping so much that they are not waking to eat every two to four hours, talk to your pediatrician.
Signs that a newborn is sleeping too much include sleeping more than 19 or 20 hours a day, not waking for feedings, or being unusually drowsy during feedings.
If you are concerned that your newborn is sleeping too much, try offering feedings every 1-2 hours and keeping a log of their sleep schedule. If you are still concerned, contact your pediatrician.
