Gina Johnson
It is common for newborns to fight sleep, and there are many reasons why. Newborns have an immature circadian rhythm, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. They may be hungry, overtired, overstimulated, or experiencing physical discomfort. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help, as can creating a calm environment with minimal stimulation.
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Hunger
If your newborn is hungry, they may be more likely to fall asleep during feedings. To prevent this, try burping your baby during and after feedings and using a pacifier. You can also try to ensure your baby is getting enough feeds within a 24-hour period. Newborns will typically feed on demand every 2 to 3 hours. As your baby grows, the time between feedings will increase.
If your newborn is fighting sleep due to hunger, you can try to address this by:
- Feeding your baby more frequently, especially before bedtime
- Burping your baby during and after feedings
- Using a pacifier to help with comfort and digestion
- Creating a calm and relaxing environment for feedings by using a dark room, white noise, or a sound machine
- Responding to your baby's sleep challenges with patience and calm, as they can feed off your emotions
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Overstimulation
It is common for newborns to fight sleep, and overstimulation is one of the most common reasons for this. Newborns can get overstimulated easily due to the exciting and busy nature of the world outside the womb. Noisy toys, bright lights, excessive activity, screens, and loud noises can all contribute to overstimulation, making it challenging for them to calm down and fall asleep.
To prevent overstimulation, it is recommended to avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. Creating a calm and soothing environment is crucial. This can be achieved by dimming the lights, reducing noise, and using tools like blackout curtains and white noise machines to establish a restful atmosphere. Consistency and routine are essential, so following a bedtime ritual that includes a diaper change, sleep sack, song, and other calming activities can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of your newborn's "wake windows," which refer to the amount of time they can stay awake before needing sleep. These "wake windows" vary by age, with a 1-month-old being able to stay awake for about an hour, while a 3-month-old can handle up to two hours. By recognizing the signs of drowsiness, such as yawning, ear pulling, eye rubbing, and fussiness, you can put your baby to bed before they become overtired and struggle to fall asleep.
If your newborn is already overstimulated and fighting sleep, there are a few things you can try. Moving to a dark room, using a sound machine, or swaddling your baby can help soothe and calm them, creating an atmosphere conducive to sleep. Remember that every baby is unique, and it's important to be patient and calm as you work to understand their sleep needs and establish a healthy sleep schedule.
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Overtiredness
It is normal for newborns to fight sleep. One reason for this could be that they are overtired. Newborns can get overtired quickly, which often results in fighting sleep. If your baby is overtired, they may also find it hard to stay asleep.
Babies have "wake windows", which are the maximum amounts of time they can handle being awake, and these vary by age. Newborns are only truly alert for about three minutes of every hour, 1-month-olds can stay awake for up to one hour, and 3-month-olds can stay awake for up to two hours. However, every baby is different, and it will get easier and easier to recognize your baby's sleep cues as they get older.
If your baby is overtired, their stress response system goes into high gear, triggering cortisol and adrenaline to flood their body. Cortisol helps to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle, while adrenaline is the fight-or-flight agent. With high levels of these hormones, it is understandable that your baby may struggle to settle down and sleep. An overtired baby may become more fussy and cry easily, and they will be difficult to soothe. They will also have a lower frustration and pain threshold, and instead of their usual nap, they will take short catnaps that do not leave them feeling recharged. They may also sleep at the wrong times, falling asleep while you are preparing their bottle or scrambling their egg, for example.
If your baby is overtired, there are some strategies you can try to help them sleep:
- Swaddling: Wrap your baby up tightly in a blanket. This can help to prevent them from startling themselves awake when their legs and arms jerk involuntarily. It may also remind them of the safe and cozy environment of the womb.
- Touch: Hold your baby close to you so they can hear your heartbeat.
- Pacifier: Give your baby a pacifier to soothe them.
- Movement: Try rocking your baby in your arms or in a stroller. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this may prevent them from falling asleep.
- Sound: Play white noise, soft music, or sing to your baby.
- Dark: Darken your baby's room to reduce stimulation.
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Illness or physical discomfort
Newborns may also resist sleep due to physical discomfort. As their bodies are learning to eat and digest, gas can make it challenging for them to relax. Burping during and after feedings and using a pacifier can help with this issue. Food intolerances and reflux symptoms can also lead to discomfort and difficulty in settling.
Additionally, newborns can become overtired quickly, resulting in them fighting sleep. They may have a window during which they are primed to fall asleep, and if this window is missed, they can become overtired, leading to fussing and trouble settling down. This can also cause them to startle easily or have stiff, uncoordinated movements.
To help your newborn sleep, you can create a soothing bedtime ritual and a consistent routine before naps or bedtime. This can include activities like a diaper change, a sleep sack, a song, using a sound machine, and turning off the lights. It is also important to ensure your newborn is getting enough feeds within a 24-hour period, as hunger can be another reason for resisting sleep.
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Separation anxiety
It is normal for newborns to fight sleep. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hunger, overstimulation, physical discomfort, illness, or simply being overtired. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and a calm sleep environment can help newborns settle more easily.
The development of object permanence is a significant factor in separation anxiety. As babies start to understand that objects and people continue to exist even when they can't see them, they may become anxious when their caregiver is out of sight. This can lead to increased fussiness, crying, and difficulty settling down for sleep.
Other factors that can contribute to separation anxiety include stranger anxiety, where babies become clingy or wary around unfamiliar people, and disruptions to their bedtime routine. Additionally, as babies become more mobile and explore their environment, they may form stronger attachments to their primary caregivers, intensifying their feelings of separation anxiety.
To help your baby through this phase, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it. You can also provide extra attention and connection through intentional 1-on-1 time, even if it's just for a few minutes. Reassure your baby with calming words and physical touch when they wake up during the night, but try to avoid picking them up, as this may reinforce the association between crying and being held. Remember that separation anxiety is a normal part of your baby's development, and it will likely pass by the time they are 2 years old.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to fight sleep. Newborns have an immature circadian rhythm, so they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day.
Newborns can get overtired quickly, which often results in fighting sleep. They might also be hungry, overstimulated, or experiencing physical discomfort.
Establish a consistent and calming bedtime routine to prepare your newborn's brain and body for sleep. Look out for early sleep cues like yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming less active.
They may arch their back, cry, fuss, squirm, kick, or generally protest about going to bed.
If your newborn consistently struggles to sleep despite your efforts, consult your pediatrician. They can provide tailored advice and rule out any underlying issues.
