Evie Summers
It can be distressing for parents to hear their baby whine or cry in their sleep, especially when they seem to be sleeping peacefully. However, it is a normal part of a baby's sleep cycle, and newborns are still learning how to sleep. Their sleep cycles are more fragmented than adults, and they are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, or even cry out. This is known as active sleep or REM sleep, during which babies may twitch, smile, or cry out briefly. It is one of the two distinct sleep stages that newborns go through, the other being NREM or quiet sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal | Yes |
| Reasons | Active sleep, immature nervous system, discomfort or gas, developmental milestones, hunger, sickness, teething, pain |
| Age | Newborns to 16 months |
| Frequency | Once or twice a night |
| Duration | 2 seconds to 3 minutes |
| Solutions | Belly rub, calming voice, swaddling, nursing, soothing methods, establishing a routine, exposing to daylight, identifying sleep patterns |
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What You'll Learn
It's a normal part of their sleep cycle
Newborns typically need 16 to 17 hours of sleep daily but in one to two-hour stretches. Newborns are likely to wake up at least once or twice every night for feeding time. They are still learning how to sleep, and their sleep stages are more fragmented than adults'. Unlike adults who transition smoothly between different sleep stages, newborns are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, random movements, or even cry out.
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. In REM or active sleep, newborns make small movements, their fingers might twitch, they may move their mouths, their limbs might jerk, and their breathing may speed up. In this stage, newborns can cry or whimper with eye or mouth movements, and tiny twitches. During active sleep, newborns may also twitch, grunt, smile, or cry out briefly. It is a normal part of their sleep cycle.
Newborns' nervous systems are still developing, and small noises or movements can be a result of their body adjusting to external stimuli or processing experiences from the day. Discomfort or gas can also cause newborns to cry out. They might pass gas quickly and return to sleep without fully waking. While it might feel sad to hear, rest assured it's usually normal. You don't need to intervene unless the crying becomes prolonged or is accompanied by other signs of distress, like fever, unusual fussiness during the day, or difficulty feeding.
Babies' sleep is a fickle thing. They might be whimpering or briefly waking because they are restless sleepers. Gentle reassurance by way of a belly rub and a calming voice can let your baby know you are there to comfort them.
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They might be experiencing discomfort or pain
It is normal for newborns to whine in their sleep. Newborns and young babies may whine, cry, or scream in their sleep. This is because newborns are still learning how to sleep, and their sleep stages are more fragmented than adults'. Unlike adults, who transition smoothly between different sleep stages, newborns are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, or move randomly.
Newborns have two distinct sleep stages, progressing to four stages as they age. These two stages are REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). In the REM stage, newborns can cry or whimper with eye or mouth movements and tiny twitches. This is known as the "'active sleep' stage, a lighter sleep stage during which newborns may twitch, smile, or cry out briefly. It is a normal part of their sleep cycle.
If your newborn is whining in their sleep, they might be experiencing discomfort or pain. Babies sometimes cry out due to mild discomfort, like gas or a bubble in their tummy, which they may pass quickly and return to sleep without fully waking. If you suspect that your baby is in pain, you can try to soothe them by talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach. Breastfed babies may also find comfort from nursing. If the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of distress, like fever, unusual fussiness during the day, or difficulty feeding, you should reach out to your pediatrician for reassurance.
It is important to remember that newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are learning how to connect their sleep cycles by self-soothing. As they develop, their sleep patterns will continue to change, often with temporary regressions that can result in more crying at bedtime or waking during the night. Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a calming pre-sleep routine may help regulate their sleep patterns.
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They could be hungry
It is normal for newborns to whine in their sleep. Newborns and young babies may be seen grunting, crying, or screaming in their sleep. Their bodies have not yet mastered the challenges of regular sleep patterns, so it is common for them to wake up frequently or make strange sounds while they are dreaming. Crying is one of the few ways babies communicate their needs to the world. They could be hungry, uncomfortable, or in need of comfort.
Newborns and young babies may cry in their sleep or wake up crying if they are hungry. Newborns are likely to wake up every night at least once or twice for feeding time, but this changes as the baby gets older and establishes sleep training. Babies aged 3–7 months may develop a regular sleep schedule. Between 3 and 7 months, some babies begin sleeping longer stretches or sleeping through the night. There is still considerable variation between babies.
Babies cry to communicate their needs. This is especially true of newborns who nurse or take a bottle every few hours, and hunger may be the most common one they express in this way. A baby crying in the middle of the night is one of the worst sounds a mother can hear. It is important to understand that in the early months, waking and crying at night is perfectly normal. Newborns typically need 16 to 17 hours of sleep daily but in one to two-hour stretches. As babies get older, they need less sleep.
Babies have many needs during the night, and waking up to meet those needs is a healthy, normal part of their development. If your baby wakes up crying, it could be that they are hungry or uncomfortable, and responding to those basic needs is essential. Babies, especially newborns, are still learning how to sleep, and their sleep stages are more fragmented than adults. Unlike adults who transition smoothly between different sleep stages, babies are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, random movements, or even cry out.
If your baby continues to cry, it may be that they are hungry, hot, cold, or need a change. If you’ve checked all of these factors but your little one continues to cry, you could try changing your baby’s position. Your baby could have moved in their sleep toward the edge of the crib, which can be uncomfortable. Try settling your little one by placing them in the middle of the mattress (on their back).
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They may be having a nightmare or night terror
It is normal for newborns to make noises during sleep, including whining, grunting, crying, or screaming. Newborns typically need 16 to 17 hours of sleep daily but in one to two-hour stretches. Their sleep is vastly different from adult sleep, and they spend a significant amount of time in active sleep (REM stage), which is a lighter sleep stage. During this time, newborns may twitch, smile, or cry out briefly.
They may also be having a nightmare or night terror. Night terrors are when children suddenly get very upset, agitated, or afraid while in a state of deep sleep. They may not respond to the adults around them and may seem confused, with a rapid heart rate, fast breathing, and sweating. Night terrors can be very disruptive and scary for everyone involved, but they are not dangerous. They usually settle down in 10-15 minutes and the child won't remember them in the morning.
Nightmares are another possible reason for newborns to whine in their sleep. When a baby wakes up suddenly from sleeping and is in distress, it may be because of a nightmare. However, it is important to note that babies do not develop regular sleep until at least six months of age, and it is unclear when nightmares start.
If you are concerned about your newborn's whining during sleep, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician for advice and reassurance.
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It could be a developmental milestone
It is common for newborns to whine in their sleep. This is often a normal part of a baby's sleep cycle. Newborns are still learning how to sleep, and their sleep stages are more fragmented than adults'. Unlike adults, who transition smoothly between different sleep stages, newborns are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, random movements, or even cry out.
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. In REM or active sleep, newborns make small movements, their fingers might twitch, they may move their mouths, their limbs might jerk, and their breathing may speed up. In this stage, newborns can cry or whimper with eye or mouth movements, and tiny twitches. This is similar to what adults experience during a dream, but for newborns, it's a completely normal part of their development.
These sudden cries can also be tied to developmental milestones. When newborns learn new skills, like rolling over or crawling, their brains are so busy that their sleep is often disturbed. If your baby is at the stage where they’re learning these skills, you may notice more unsettled sleep. As they develop more ways to express themselves, crying while asleep may be a sign that they are having a nightmare or night terror.
Babies spend a significant amount of time in active sleep, which is a lighter sleep stage. During this time, they may twitch, grunt, smile, or cry out briefly. It's a normal part of their sleep cycle. A newborn's nervous system is still developing, and small noises or movements can be a result of their body adjusting to external stimuli or processing experiences from the day.
To help your baby sleep, you can establish a calming pre-sleep routine and ensure they have a conducive sleep environment. Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to whine in their sleep. Newborns have two distinct sleep stages, REM and NREM, progressing to four stages as they age. During the REM stage, newborns can whimper, twitch, smile, or cry out briefly. This is a normal part of their sleep cycle, and they often settle on their own.
If your newborn is whining in their sleep, you can try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach. Breastfed babies may also find comfort from nursing. It is important to identify your baby's typical sleep pattern to assess the cause of their whining.
It is advised to contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your newborn's whining in their sleep. However, as a general guideline, you should pay attention to any additional concerning symptoms, such as signs of illness, pain, fever, unusual fussiness, or difficulty feeding.
