Gina Johnson
Sleep is a precious commodity for new parents, but it can be elusive when dealing with a newborn who fights sleep. While it is normal for newborns to sleep for short periods, there are several reasons why your newborn may be fighting sleep and having difficulty sleeping for longer stretches. Newborns have immature circadian rhythms, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. They may also be hungry, as newborns require frequent feedings throughout the night and day, or they may be experiencing reflux, teething pain, or separation anxiety. Understanding the reasons behind your newborn's sleep patterns is the first step towards helping them—and you—get the rest you need.
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What You'll Learn
Newborns are hungry and require frequent feeding
Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feeding throughout the day and night. It is common for newborns to wake up every 2-3 hours for a feed, and some feed even more frequently than that.
Newborns may also be hungry if they are experiencing reflux, which occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and pain. Reflux can also lead to frequent spitting up, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping.
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to ensure that your baby is latching properly and getting enough milk. If you are bottle-feeding, make sure that the holes in the teat are not too small, as this can cause your baby to take in too much air and may lead to gas and discomfort.
In addition to frequent feeding, there are other ways to help soothe a hungry newborn and encourage sleep. Skin-to-skin contact and gentle massages after feeding can help your baby relax and fall asleep. You can also try using a pacifier, which can satisfy your newborn's instinctive need to suckle. Swaddling your baby safely and placing them on their back in the crib can also promote sleep.
Keeping a consistent routine is also important for newborns. This includes maintaining normal rhythms for daytime and nighttime, with sunshine and fun activities during the day, and darkness and quiet in the evening. A pre-bedtime routine that includes a warm bath, feeding, and skin moisturization can help your baby relax and prepare for sleep.
If you are struggling with your newborn's feeding or sleep patterns, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional or a sleep consultant for personalized advice and guidance.
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They are uncomfortable lying on their backs
Newborns may fight sleep because they are uncomfortable lying on their backs. This is because newborns are not used to lying on their backs on a cold mattress, and this can trigger the Moro or startle reflex, causing them to move in their sleep.
To help your newborn sleep more comfortably on their back, you can try swaddling them securely. Swaddling can make newborns feel calm and promote sleep. Just be sure to do it safely by ensuring their hips are loose and the blanket isn't too tight. It is also important to always place them on their back in the crib and check on them regularly.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep environment and routine can help your newborn sleep better. This includes keeping the room cool and comfortable, providing a quiet and dark environment, and following a predictable bedtime routine.
If your newborn is fighting sleep due to discomfort, you can also try giving them a gentle massage after feeding to help them relax and fall asleep. Moisturizing their skin after a bath can also help them sleep better, as it prevents itching and dryness.
It is important to remember that every baby is different, and you may need to try different techniques to find what works best for your newborn. With time and patience, you can help your newborn sleep more comfortably and establish a healthy sleep routine.
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They are overstimulated and unable to calm down
Newborns have an immature circadian rhythm, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. This can lead to day-night confusion, with newborns spending nights awake. As a baby's sleep cycles mature, which happens around 3 or 4 months, they will likely start to have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep.
One reason newborns fight sleep is that they are overstimulated and unable to calm down. Fussiness or crankiness can be a sign that your baby is simply understimulated (bored) or undertired and not ready to sleep yet. On the other hand, babies who are too tired can sometimes have more difficulty calming down and falling asleep. This is known as being overtired, and it can lead to crankiness, unreasonableness, or clumsiness in exhausted toddlers, while younger babies may show unreasonableness by losing interest, batting toys away, and crying.
If your baby is overstimulated, you can try to calm them down by providing a change of scenery, such as taking them for a ride in the car or stroller, or going into another room. You can also try to meet their comfort needs by feeding them, burping them, or changing their diaper. If your baby is sleeping in a crib, they may be fighting separation, not sleep. Skin-to-skin contact and gentle massages can help your baby relax and fall asleep. You can also try stroking your baby's head slowly from their forehead to the back of their neck, adding a comforting "shhh" or humming sound, or gently stroking their belly.
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They are overtired and unable to sleep
Newborns have immature circadian rhythms, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. This is why they might be "nocturnal", spending their nights awake. As your baby's sleep cycles mature, which happens around 3 to 4 months, they will likely start having an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep.
If your newborn is overtired and unable to sleep, it could be due to several reasons. Firstly, they might be overstimulated. When tired, we seek peace and quiet, and newborns are no different. An overtired newborn can become overly sensitive to sensory stimulation, such as bright lights, loud noises, or even being jiggled or patted. This overstimulation can lead to prolonged crying and fussiness, making it challenging for them to settle down and fall asleep.
Secondly, hunger could be a factor. Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feedings throughout the day and night. They might wake up every 2-3 hours to feed, or even more often. Ensuring they are adequately fed can help prevent overtiredness and improve their sleep.
Additionally, the sleep environment and routine play a crucial role. Creating a calm and soothing atmosphere with low lights and white noise can aid sleep. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and nap schedule can also help regulate their sleep patterns. It's important to be mindful of the timing and not wait too long to put your baby down to sleep, as this can contribute to overtiredness.
Finally, it's worth noting that some newborns might be fighting separation rather than sleep. When they sense any separation, such as going to sleep in a crib, they may become alarmed and find it challenging to fall asleep. This dynamic is especially relevant for parents who spend limited time with their babies during the day due to work or other commitments.
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They are experiencing separation anxiety
Newborns have an immature circadian rhythm, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. This can lead to day-night confusion, with newborns spending their nights awake. As a baby's sleep cycles mature, which happens around 3 or 4 months, they will likely start to have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep.
However, one reason newborns fight sleep is that they are experiencing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a normal part of a baby's emotional and social development, typically occurring between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It can sometimes begin as early as 7 months, with the biggest surges often seen between 8-10 months and again around 14-18 months.
Separation anxiety can manifest as a reluctance to be separated from a parent or caregiver, resulting in difficulty settling down to sleep and/or frequent waking during the night. Babies with separation anxiety may cry or get upset when a parent tries to leave the room, or they may become clingy, irritable, or more fussy than usual. These behaviours can be distressing for both parents and the baby, resulting in less sleep for everyone.
Separation anxiety can occur due to several reasons. Firstly, babies at this age are beginning to develop object permanence, understanding that objects and people continue to exist even when they cannot see them. Secondly, babies are becoming more aware of social cues and may be wary of strangers or unfamiliar situations. They also have a basic concept of time and routine and may become upset if their bedtime routine is disrupted. Lastly, separation anxiety may be a result of the baby's natural attachment to their primary caregiver. When they are separated from their caregiver, they may feel vulnerable or scared.
To deal with nighttime separation anxiety, parents can go to their infant and reassure them with calming words and a gentle touch. It is important to skip picking them up, as this may reinforce the idea that crying leads to being held. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can also help, as babies will learn what to expect at the end of each day.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns have immature circadian rhythms, so they haven't developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. They might also be hungry, as newborns require frequent feedings throughout the night and day.
Feed your newborn right before you go to bed to help calm them down. If that doesn't work, try giving them a gentle massage when they're finished eating to help them relax and fall asleep.
Try swaddling your newborn, which can help them feel calm and promote sleep. You can also try giving them a pacifier, or bouncing on a yoga ball while they're swaddled.
Your newborn might be fighting separation, not sleep. They may sense that any separation is about to happen and become vulnerable, making it tough for them to fall asleep.
Memorize the signs that your newborn is drowsy, such as yawning, ear pulling, eye rubbing, thumb sucking, and fussing. Then, put them down when they're drowsy but not fast asleep to help them learn how to drift off on their own.
