Gina Johnson
Newborns have immature circadian rhythms, so they haven't yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. This is why newborns often fight sleep. There are several reasons why newborns fight sleep, such as hunger, physical discomfort, illness, overstimulation, or being overtired or not tired enough. Newborns also have small stomachs and require frequent feedings throughout the night and day, which can disrupt their sleep. Additionally, newborns may be uncomfortable lying on their backs on a cold mattress, triggering the startle reflex and causing them to move in their sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overstimulation | Bright lights, loud noises, screens, beeping toys, and a busy household can cause newborns to be overstimulated and fight sleep. |
| Hunger | Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feedings throughout the night and day. Sleepy or distracted eating can result in a hungry baby who fights sleep. |
| Physical discomfort | Gas, food intolerances, and reflux can cause discomfort and make it hard for newborns to relax and fall asleep. |
| Illness | Sleep can be harder for newborns when they are sick or experiencing pain or discomfort from an illness. |
| Overtiredness | Short naps or long wake windows can lead to overtiredness, causing a surge of cortisol and adrenaline that makes it more likely for newborns to fight sleep. |
| Under-tiredness | Not getting enough active awake time or having too much downtime before bedtime can result in newborns not being tired enough to fall asleep. |
| Temperature | A room that is too cold or too warm can disrupt a newborn's sleep. |
| Sleep associations | Parental support such as rocking or feeding can make it difficult for newborns to fall asleep independently. |
| Sleep regression | Setbacks in a baby's regular nighttime routine can occur throughout the first year, including at 4, 6, 8-10, and 12 months. |
| Separation anxiety | Around 8 months, newborns may experience separation anxiety, resulting in tears and resistance to sleeping alone. |
| Teething | Teething pain and discomfort can lead to newborns fighting sleep. |
| Developmental milestones | Reaching milestones such as babbling, rolling, sitting up, crawling, and walking can disrupt a newborn's sleep patterns. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns are hungry
Newborns have small stomachs, so they need to be fed frequently throughout the day and night. They might be hungry all the time because they are growing and developing, which is exhausting and takes a lot of energy. They might also be squirmy or upset for reasons other than hunger. For example, they might be bored, agitated, sleepy, or upset.
Babies exhibit behavioural cues or signals when they are hungry, which can be similar to those they show when they are bored, agitated, sleepy, or upset. These signals can include making sucking noises, sucking their fingers, or being squirmy. They might also cry, although this usually happens late into the hungry stage.
If your baby is hungry, you can help calm them by gently holding, rocking, or cuddling them. A baby massage can also help. You can also try using a soft, quiet voice and tone when talking to your baby, and picking them up and handling them slowly and gently. It is important to avoid overstimulation by having too many people or too much activity around the baby.
If your newborn is fighting sleep, there could be several reasons. They might be overstimulated, in which case you can try swaddling them, moving to a dark room, and turning on a sound machine. They might also be hungry, especially if they are sleepy or distracted during feedings. In addition, physical discomfort, such as gas, food intolerances, or reflux symptoms, can make it hard for newborns to relax and fall asleep.
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Overstimulation
To prevent overstimulation, it is important to provide your newborn with a calm and familiar environment. You should also limit their exposure to digital technology and screens, especially before bedtime. It is also beneficial to give them time each day to rest or play quietly, away from any stimulating activities. Additionally, you can try to swaddle them or move them to a dark room to reduce physical sensations and visual stimulation.
If your newborn is overstimulated, they may exhibit signs such as crying, fussing, or general protest against going to bed. They might also seem very excited or busy playing, indicating that they are having trouble calming down and preparing for sleep.
It is important to recognize the signs of overstimulation and take steps to help your newborn relax. This may include reducing noise and activity, turning off screens and digital devices, or providing a calm and familiar environment. You can also try to help your newborn express their feelings in words, such as saying, "I can see that you're upset because there are a lot of people here."
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Sleep regression
- Keep up with good sleep habits: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment. This includes keeping the room dimly lit and following the same routine each time, such as a nightly bath, changing into pajamas, and reading a bedtime story or singing a song.
- Respond to your baby's cues: If your baby looks sleepy before bedtime, put them to bed a little earlier. Babies who feel tired will fall asleep faster, but waiting too long can cause them to become overtired and have difficulty sleeping.
- Address any physical discomfort: Reflux, gas, food intolerances, and teething can all cause discomfort and make it hard for your baby to relax and sleep. Burping during and after feedings, using a pacifier, and offering teething toys or cold washcloths can help soothe these discomforts.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure the room temperature is comfortable for your baby. Adjust the temperature settings if needed and consider using a warm sleep sack if the room is too cold.
- Seek professional help: If you are concerned about your baby's sleep patterns or unable to identify the cause of sleep regression, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional or a pediatric sleep consultant for personalized guidance.
While sleep regression can be challenging, it is important to remember that it is typically short-lived and a sign of your baby's growth and development. With patience, consistency, and attention to your baby's cues, you can help your little one navigate through this temporary phase.
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Separation anxiety
There are many reasons why newborns fight sleep, and these may change as they age and their sleep patterns and needs change. Newborns have immature circadian rhythms, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. They are also hungry more often, as they have small stomachs and require frequent feedings throughout the night and day. They may also be overstimulated, or they could be experiencing physical discomfort, illness, or teething pain.
There are several methods to help a baby or young child experiencing separation anxiety. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help, as the familiarity of a bedtime story, a warm bath, or soft music can provide comfort and ease some of the anxiety. Introducing a transitional object, such as a blanket or soft toy, can also help ease separations. Keeping goodbyes short and sweet and making simple adjustments to your routine can help keep things predictable and reassure the child that the parent or caregiver will return. As the child gets older, they will start to understand that the separation is just temporary, and their anxiety should lessen by the time they are 2 or 3 years old.
If a child's distress continues beyond this point and interferes with their daily life, they may have separation anxiety disorder. In these cases, it is important to contact a pediatrician or doctor for support to prevent any further problems, such as the development of other anxiety disorders.
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Circadian rhythm
Newborns have an immature circadian rhythm, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. Circadian rhythm is the approximately 24-hour cycle of change in the physiology of life. The sleep-wake cycle is part of the circadian rhythm.
Newborns typically do not sleep more than 4 hours at a time, and their sleep is scattered throughout the 24-hour period. A diurnal pattern with greater sleep at night is not established until 12 to 16 weeks. Newborns can sleep 11 to 17 hours a day in their first year. Their sleep is in bursts ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, with awake periods of two hours in between.
There are several reasons why newborns fight sleep. One of the primary reasons is that they are hungry. During the first few months of life, babies have small stomachs and require frequent feedings throughout the night and day. It is not uncommon for newborns to wake up every 2-3 hours to feed. Newborns can also fight sleep due to overstimulation. The world is an exciting and busy place compared to what they were used to in the womb.
There are three simple things parents can do to support their child's circadian rhythm and create optimal sleep conditions for both the child and themselves. Firstly, ensure the baby is exposed to plenty of daylight and normal everyday activities. This may help the baby develop melatonin production and, consequently, a circadian rhythm more quickly. Secondly, when the baby wakes up at night for a feeding, try to avoid talking or playing. Keep the mood calm and quiet so your baby learns that nighttime is for sleep, not activities. Lastly, keep the baby's sleeping space at a comfortable temperature, generally 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius).
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns might be fighting their sleep due to overstimulation, hunger, physical discomfort, illness, or because they are overtired or not tired enough.
Babies can become overtired when their naps are short or wake windows are too long. When a baby is overtired, they often experience a surge of cortisol and adrenaline, making it more likely that they will fight sleep.
Noisy toys, loud music, or exciting play can leave newborns feeling overwhelmed and unable to calm down for sleep. Separation anxiety can also cause newborns to fight sleep as they don't want their parents to leave.
Sleepy eating and distracted eating can result in a hungry baby who fights sleep. During the first few months of life, newborns require frequent feedings throughout the night and day. It is not uncommon for newborns to wake up every 2-3 hours to feed.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of illnesses like ear infections or colds. Discomfort from an illness can affect a newborn's sleep.
