Evie Summers
Newborns go through two sleep cycles: quiet sleep and active sleep, spending about half of their sleeping time in each. During active sleep, newborns move around, make noises and sometimes even open their eyes, all while they're actually asleep. This is similar to REM sleep for adults, but with one key difference: adults' skeletal muscles are paralysed during this stage, whereas newborns' are not. So, if you hear your newborn whining in their sleep, it's likely that they're in the REM stage of sleep. This stage of sleep is also when newborns process new memories, file away information and match it with other similar experiences.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
- Fussiness: Your baby may become fussier and more irritable, refusing to sleep unless held or comforted.
- Decreased napping: A baby that was previously a good napper may suddenly start resisting naps or taking shorter naps.
- Crying: You may notice your baby crying every time you head to the nursery or standing and crying in their crib at naptime.
- Night wakings: Your baby may start waking up multiple times during the night when they were previously sleeping well.
- Early wakings: They may begin waking up very early in the morning, such as 4:00 am, when this wasn't an issue before.
- Changes in behaviour: You may observe changes in your baby's sleep behaviour, such as acting differently or seeming anxious or restless.
Additionally, it is worth noting that sleep regression is not a sign of permanent regression in sleep skills. Instead, it is often linked to periods of development, whether physical, cognitive, or social, and can be influenced by factors such as teething, illness, or changes in routine.
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Hunger
Newborns typically sleep 16 to 20 hours per day and wake up every three to four hours to eat, even at night. By three months, a baby can sleep about eight to nine hours at night with a few naps during the day. However, some babies may not start sleeping through the night until their first birthday or even later.
During the newborn stage, it is essential to feed them according to their needs, as they are growing and developing rapidly. As they grow older, you will be able to anticipate their night feeds and learn to recognize the 'hungry' cry. It is also important to burp your baby gently after each meal, including night feedings, to reduce gas or reflux, which can be uncomfortable for the baby.
It is worth noting that occasional crying during sleep is normal for newborns, and they may simply be transitioning between sleep stages or experiencing mental leaps that cause them to be more unsettled. However, if you are concerned about persistent crying in longer bursts, you can always contact your healthcare provider for advice and support.
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Teething
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months old, but it can vary significantly, with some babies starting as early as 6 months or even later. The process of teething is not constant, as it occurs whenever a tooth is ready to break through the gums. Typically, most baby teeth (primary teeth) come through by about 12 months, and the molars come in between 13 and 19 months. By the time a baby is 3 years old, all their baby teeth are usually out.
If you suspect your newborn is whining in their sleep due to teething, there are several ways to ease their discomfort:
- Try offering a cooling gum massage with a durable teething ring or a cold pacifier. Make sure to inspect the teething ring for any broken pieces after each use to prevent choking hazards.
- Provide solid plastic teething toys that can be chilled in the fridge or freezer. Avoid gel-filled teething toys, as they may pose a choking hazard if they break.
- Keep your baby as dry as possible during the day to reduce skin irritation from drooling. Invest in durable bibs that prevent drool from soaking through to their clothes.
- Consider giving baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) about 30 minutes before bedtime to help block mouth pain and improve sleep. Consult your paediatrician first to ensure proper dosage.
- Stick to your established bedtime routine as much as possible to promote comfort and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Expose your baby to natural daylight and establish a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate their sleep patterns.
- If your baby is exhibiting additional symptoms like a fever, rash, diarrhoea, vomiting, or congestion, contact your paediatrician, as these may indicate an illness rather than teething.
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Sleep environment
A newborn baby's sleep environment can play a crucial role in the quality of their sleep and can be a factor in why they whine in their sleep. Here are some tips to create a sleep-nourishing environment for your newborn:
- Maintain a comfortable temperature: Keep your baby's room at an ideal temperature of 68-72°F if possible. This is the optimal temperature for baby sleep. Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. For example, if you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt, dress your baby in a long-sleeved sleeper and a sleep sack.
- Use a sound machine: A sound machine can help to create white noise, which may soothe your baby and block out any sudden noises that could startle them.
- Adjust the monitor volume: If your baby is sleeping in a different room, consider turning down the volume on the monitor to reduce any extra noise that could disturb them.
- Move the bassinet: If your baby is sleeping in the same room as you, try moving their bassinet farther away, perhaps across the room or even in a well-ventilated closet or bathroom. This can help reduce any disturbances to their sleep.
- Use a sleep sack: A sleep sack is a great option to keep your baby nestled and warm while giving them more room to move their arms compared to swaddling.
- Swaddle your baby: During the newborn to 2-month age range, swaddling your baby with a lightweight blanket can calm them and promote good sleep. Ensure there are no loose ends that could cover their face, and stop swaddling once they show signs of rolling over to avoid the risk of suffocation.
- Keep the atmosphere peaceful and calm: Disturbances can disrupt your baby's sleep, so try to keep the atmosphere calm and peaceful. This will also help your baby associate night-time with sleep.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine: A simple and consistent bedtime routine can help calm your baby and signal to them that it's time for sleeping. This could include activities such as changing their diaper, applying lotion, swaddling, and rocking them until they are drowsy.
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Overtiredness
It is important to note that newborns' sleep patterns are different from those of children and adults. They sleep for longer overall but in shorter bursts, and they spend more time in REM sleep, which is when they dream and their eyes move behind their eyelids. They might also jerk or twitch, and their breathing may become irregular. These movements are all part of their natural sleep cycle.
As your baby grows, you will be able to better understand their sleep patterns and schedule, which will help you determine why they might be whining in their sleep. You will also be able to anticipate their night feeds and learn to recognize a "hungry" cry, as hunger is a common reason for newborns to cry.
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Frequently asked questions
Occasional crying and whining during sleep is normal and nothing to worry about. Newborns go through two different sleep cycles: quiet sleep and active sleep, and they spend about half of their sleeping time in each. During active sleep, your baby might make grunting sounds, moan, or whimper while they are actually sleeping. They might also cry out in their sleep if they are transitioning from one sleep stage to another.
You can help your baby sleep better by using a sleep sack or swaddling them. A consistent bedtime routine can also calm your baby and teach them that it's time for sleeping.
Newborns tend to wake up a lot in the middle of the night because they are hungry or need a diaper change. They might also be too hot or cold, overtired, or experiencing gas or reflux.
