Miya Pearson
Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults and spend more time in light sleep, which means they have more chances to cry, make noises, or move in their sleep. Crying in sleep can occur throughout their sleep cycle and is usually normal and nothing to worry about. Babies cry to communicate their needs, and hunger is the most common reason, especially in newborns who nurse or take a bottle every few hours. Other reasons for crying in sleep include nightmares, teething pain, discomfort from a cold or flu, or separation anxiety. If the crying is persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious illness, and it is recommended to consult a doctor. Establishing a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine can help, and gentle sleep training strategies can also aid in reducing crying and improving sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasional crying | Normal and nothing to worry about |
| Persistent crying | Could be due to hunger, discomfort, teething pain, cold or flu, or a more serious illness |
| Crying due to hunger | More common in newborns who nurse or take a bottle every few hours |
| Sleep regression | A normal setback in a baby's regular nighttime routine |
| Sleep training | Can begin when the baby is between 4 and 6 months old |
| Overtiredness | Can lead to more crying at bedtime, shorter naps, and more frequent night waking |
| Separation anxiety | A normal phase of development that usually occurs around 8 months old |
| Nightmares | More common in older babies and toddlers |
| Night terrors | Rare but can occur in babies as young as 18 months old |
| REM sleep | Babies spend more time in REM sleep than adults, which is when they dream and their eyes move behind their eyelids |
| Soothing techniques | Belly rubs, calming voice, swaddling, white noise, stuffed animals |
| Establishing a routine | Can help babies develop a regular sleep schedule |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger
Babies can go through growth spurts, which may cause them to feel hungrier and more restless, leading to more frequent waking and crying. During these periods, their regular sleep routine may be disrupted, and they may need more nourishment to support their rapid growth.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, you can try offering a dream feed. This involves gently taking your sleeping baby out of their bassinet between 10 pm and 12 am and offering a breast or bottle feed. Even if your baby is not fully awake, they should start feeding. For breastfed babies, encourage at least 5 minutes on each side, and for formula-fed babies, aim for around 3 ounces.
If you are unsure whether your baby is crying due to hunger, it is recommended to wait a few minutes to see if they settle themselves back to sleep. Crying during sleep that is not due to any immediate needs is usually brief and more like a whimper or a cry for attention. However, if the crying is sustained or your baby sounds distressed, it is appropriate to check on them and offer comfort or feeding if needed.
It is important to note that newborns cycle back to active sleep every 45 to 50 minutes, so crying in their sleep can occur frequently. Breastfed newborns may wake up to feed every 2 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies may feed every 3 to 4 hours. As babies grow, nighttime feedings may continue until between 5 and 9 months of age or even later.
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Sleep regression
The next common regression is the five-month sleep regression. This regression is also caused by developmental changes and growth spurts. Babies may start to notice their surroundings more and respond to more stimuli, such as sounds or movements, which can disrupt their sleep. Physical growth spurts are common around five months, leading to increased hunger and the need for more frequent feedings. This can cause babies to wake up more often at night, seeking nourishment.
Another common regression is the 12-month sleep regression. Toddlers at this age are known for testing limits and resisting naps, which can lead to overtiredness. They are also going through another nap transition, often dropping down to one nap in the middle of the day. This can cause sleep issues as children adjust to staying awake for longer periods.
While sleep regression is a normal part of a baby's development, it can be challenging for parents. It's important to remember that this phase is temporary and that every baby is different. Consistent nap times, a calming bedtime routine, and understanding your baby's wake windows can all help to support better sleep during this time. Additionally, gentle sleep training methods can be introduced as early as four months to help your baby fall asleep more independently.
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Discomfort
Babies cry to communicate their needs, and hunger is probably the most common reason for their crying, especially in newborns who feed every few hours. Breastfed newborns wake to feed about every 2 to 3 hours, and formula-fed babies do so roughly every 3 to 4 hours. As they grow, they may cry out in their sleep to signal that they are ready to eat again. If your baby has recently been fed, they might be crying due to a stomach upset. Babies are born with underdeveloped digestive systems, and it takes time for them to adjust to milk or formula.
Babies may also cry in their sleep due to discomfort from teething pain, a cold or flu, or food sensitivities. If your baby is crying for an extended period, it could be the first sign of a more serious illness, such as an ear infection. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention.
Another reason for crying in sleep could be that the baby is too hot or too cold. Ensuring that the baby's sleep space is appropriately adjusted for temperature can help with this. Additionally, creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine can help the baby get used to the idea that night-time is for sleeping.
Overtiredness is another factor that can lead to crying in sleep. Getting nap times right can be challenging, but it is crucial to ensure your baby is tired enough to sleep without crossing into overtired territory. Establishing a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine can help prevent overtiredness and promote better sleep.
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Brain development
Babies' brains are rapidly developing, and they experience several mental leaps during their first months. This brain development can cause babies to be more unsettled and lead to crying and sleep regression.
During REM sleep, which babies experience more frequently than adults, it is common for them to stir, stretch, jerk, twitch, and even cry out. Babies spend more time in REM sleep because they switch between different sleep cycles more often. A sleep cycle for a baby is around 40 minutes, and at the end of each cycle, they may briefly awaken and exhibit strange behaviours.
As babies grow, they typically develop the ability to self-soothe and settle themselves back to sleep. However, newborns and younger babies may lack these skills and rely more on their caregivers for comfort and assistance in falling asleep.
Sleep training can be introduced to help babies develop independent sleep skills. However, it is important to ensure that the approach is developmentally appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of the baby. Consulting with a pediatrician or a qualified sleep consultant is recommended to ensure the baby's physical and emotional needs are considered.
Additionally, creating a strong nighttime routine can help establish healthy sleep habits. This includes ensuring the baby is well-fed, relaxed, and comfortable before bedtime. Maintaining a consistent sleep environment, addressing any discomforts, and minimising disturbances can also promote better sleep for babies.
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Nightmares
If your five-month-old is crying in their sleep due to nightmares, there are several things you can do to help soothe and comfort them:
- Offer physical and emotional reassurance: Give them a comforting back or belly rub and speak to them in a soft, gentle voice. If a gentle touch and comforting words don't work, it's okay to pick them up and spend some time rocking and singing to them until they relax.
- Turn on dim lighting: If your child is having trouble settling back to sleep, a soft light can help create a calm and soothing environment.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: A predictable bedtime routine can help prevent nightmares and promote better sleep.
- Talk about fears and evaluate media consumption: Listen to your child's concerns and address any fears or anxieties they may have. Pay attention to what they watch or interact with online, as even seemingly harmless content can sometimes be upsetting or disturbing.
- Provide comfort objects: Offer your child their favourite toy or a stuffed animal to hold onto while they sleep. This can help them feel secure and comforted.
It's important to remember that nightmares are a normal part of childhood and are not usually a cause for alarm. However, if you are concerned about persistent crying or suspect any underlying medical issues, don't hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for babies to cry in their sleep. They may be transitioning from one sleep cycle to the next, or they could be hungry, overtired, or in discomfort.
Try to establish a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine. You can also try to make sure their sleep space is dark at night and during the day.
Occasional crying during sleep is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the crying is persistent or you suspect they are in pain or experiencing a medical issue, seek medical attention.
