Evie Summers
It is completely normal for newborns to whimper in their sleep. Newborns have two distinct sleep stages, REM and NREM, which are rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement, respectively. During the REM stage, newborns may whimper, cry, twitch, or move their mouths and limbs. Newborns may also cry in their sleep due to hunger, discomfort, or pain. Establishing a sleep routine and exposing newborns to natural daylight may help regulate their sleep patterns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal | Yes |
| Reasons | Newborns have two distinct sleep stages, progressing to four stages (similar to adults) as they age. These two stages are REM and NREM—Rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement, respectively. During the REM stage, newborns can make small movements, their fingers might twitch, they may move their mouths, their limbs might jerk, and their breathing may speed up. Newborns are also still adjusting to life outside the womb and their nervous system is still developing, so they may be processing external stimuli or experiences from the day. They may also be hungry, uncomfortable, or in pain. |
| Soothing Techniques | Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns. Breastfed babies who nurse in their sleep may find comfort from nursing. Gently offering a bottle or a breast before they wake naturally may help them sleep for longer stretches without crying or waking. During the newborn to 2-month age range, a snugly wrapped, lightweight swaddle can calm a baby and promote good sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep cycles
Newborns have two distinct sleep stages, REM and NREM, which progress to four stages as they get older, similar to adults. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and NREM stands for non-rapid eye movement. Each of these stages lasts for approximately the same duration of time.
During the REM stage, newborns may move their fingers, twitch, move their mouths, jerk their limbs, and experience faster breathing. They may also cry or whimper with eye or mouth movements. During the NREM stage, newborns will be still and won't make the movements associated with the REM stage. Newborns cycle from active sleep to quiet sleep every 45 minutes or so.
Newborns typically sleep 12 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period, waking only for feedings every few hours. They may sleep for about 8 to 9 hours during the day and about 8 hours at night. However, they have small stomachs, so they must wake up every few hours to eat. Most babies don't sleep through the night (6 to 8 hours) until at least 3 months of age, but this can vary, and some babies don't sleep through the night until closer to 1 year.
Newborns' sleep cycles are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. During active sleep, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. During quiet sleep, they will lie relatively still, and their breathing will be more even. It is normal for newborns to wake between sleep cycles, and as they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back asleep.
Newborns are usually the most unsettled during their first three months, with the longest periods of crying during this time. Crying is a newborn's main form of communication, and they may cry for up to four hours per day. As they develop more ways to express themselves, crying while asleep may indicate a nightmare or night terror.
To help newborns sleep, it is recommended to expose them to light during the day and create a dim and quiet environment at night. Establishing a bedtime routine and exposing them to natural daylight can also help regulate their sleep patterns.
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Night terrors
It is common for newborns to make noises during sleep, including whimpering, crying, or screaming. Newborns' bodies have not yet mastered regular sleep cycles, so it is normal for them to wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep. Crying is the main form of communication for very young babies, so it makes sense that they may also cry in their sleep. As long as a baby does not have additional concerning symptoms, such as signs of illness or pain, this is developmentally normal and not a sign that something is wrong.
As babies develop more ways to express themselves, crying while asleep may be a sign that they are having a nightmare or night terror. Night terrors are relatively rare in babies, and usually occur in children aged between 4 and 12 years old. However, night terrors have been reported in babies as young as 18 months old. Night terrors may be more likely to occur if a child is sick, sleep-deprived, or experiencing fluctuations in their bedtime routine.
During a night terror, a baby may scream, cry, or flail while still sleeping and is inconsolable. They may seem awake, but they are only semi-conscious and do not know what is going on. They will likely have no memory of the night terror. Other symptoms of a night terror in babies include shaking or shivering, a fast heart rate, sweating, and wide or scared glazed eyes. Symptoms of a night terror may resemble a seizure. While it can be frightening for parents to witness, night terrors are scarier for those observing than for the baby experiencing them.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent night terrors, but there are strategies to help reduce their occurrence. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and maintaining a steady sleep schedule for your baby can help create a sense of security and ward off night terrors. Exposing your baby to natural daylight may also aid in regulating their sleep patterns. If your baby is experiencing a night terror, try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach. Breastfed babies may find comfort in nursing.
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Hunger
Newborns have two distinct sleep stages: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). During the REM stage, newborns may make small movements, twitch, move their mouths, or experience limb jerks and faster breathing. This is also known as "active sleep", and newborns spend about half of their sleeping time in this stage. During this stage, newborns may whimper and cry as they process external stimuli and experiences from the day.
If a newborn is hungry during the night, they will usually wake up and cry to let you know they need to be fed. However, it is possible to feed a baby while they are still asleep, a practice known as "dream feeding". This involves gently offering a bottle or breast before the baby wakes up naturally, which may help them sleep for longer stretches without crying or waking. It is important to keep the baby in an upright position during dream feeding to avoid the risk of choking.
It is important to note that newborns typically need 16-17 hours of sleep daily but only in one to two-hour stretches. Their sleep patterns are not yet fully established, and they spend a lot of time in light, active sleep. Therefore, it is normal for newborns to whimper and cry as part of their sleep cycle, even if they are not hungry.
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Discomfort
Newborns have two distinct sleep stages: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). During the REM stage, newborns are in a light, active sleep and may appear restless, twitching, wriggling, and even crying. This is a normal part of their sleep cycle, and they may be “working through” the natural rhythms of their growth and development.
- Hunger: Newborns may whimper or cry in their sleep when they are hungry. "Dream feeding," or feeding a baby while they are still asleep, can help them sleep for longer stretches without crying or waking up.
- Wet diaper: A wet diaper can cause discomfort, leading to whimpering or crying during sleep.
- Temperature: If the room temperature is too hot or too cold, newborns may feel uncomfortable and express their discomfort through whimpering or crying.
- Sleeping position: An awkward or uncomfortable sleeping position can cause discomfort and disturb a newborn's sleep.
- Tight clothing: Tight or restrictive clothing can cause discomfort and affect a newborn's sleep.
- Teething: The pain from teething can cause newborns to cry in their sleep and may also lead to temporary sleep disturbances, making it difficult for them to settle or sleep peacefully.
- Gas or reflux: Gas or reflux can cause mild pain or discomfort, leading to whimpering or crying during sleep.
It is important to note that newborns may also cry in their sleep due to illness, pain, or feeling unwell. If you are concerned or notice any concerning symptoms, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician for advice and reassurance.
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Illness
It is common for newborns to make noises during sleep, including whimpering and crying. Newborns have two distinct sleep stages: REM (active sleep) and NREM (quiet sleep). During the REM stage, newborns may move their mouths, twitch, or make other small movements. They may also cry or whimper with eye or mouth movements.
While it is normal for newborns to whimper in their sleep, there are some cases where it could be a sign of illness. If a baby is sick, they may cry in their sleep. If they display any other signs of illness or pain alongside their crying, it is important to check their symptoms with a pediatrician. If the baby appears to be in pain, they will likely wake up. However, if they are just whimpering, you can try to soothe them by making soft sounds or gently touching them to let them know you are there.
Babies may also cry in their sleep if they are hungry, overtired, or uncomfortable. Exposing babies to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns. However, newborns aged 1-3 months are still adjusting to life outside the womb, so it is unlikely that they will develop a regular sleep schedule or sleep through the night. As babies get older, they may develop a regular sleep schedule and sleep for longer stretches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to whimper in their sleep. Newborns spend about half of their sleep time in active sleep, which is similar to the REM sleep stage in adults. During this time, they may whimper, cry, twitch, or move around.
Newborns may whimper in their sleep due to various reasons, such as hunger, discomfort, or mild pain. It could also be their way of communicating their needs, such as a wet diaper or an uncomfortable sleeping position. Additionally, newborns are still developing their nervous systems, so small noises and movements can be a result of their bodies adjusting to external stimuli or processing experiences from the day.
If your newborn is whimpering in their sleep, you can try observing their sleep pattern for a minute or two before responding. Sometimes, they may settle down on their own without any intervention. If the whimpering continues, you can try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach to provide comfort and help shift them into a different stage of sleep. For breastfed babies, nursing can also provide comfort.
