Ashwin Lewis
Sleep problems are common in newborns and can be frustrating for new parents. Newborns generally sleep 14 to 17 hours a day, but they wake frequently for feeding and may have trouble settling. Common reasons for newborns not sleeping include hunger, illness, discomfort, temperature regulation, and difficulty distinguishing day from night. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, recognizing sleep cues, and creating a calm bedtime routine can help newborns sleep better. If you're concerned about your newborn's sleep, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunger | Babies can wake up hungry as they don't eat much in a single feeding. |
| Illness | Your baby may be unwell. |
| Overtiredness | Babies can become overtired if they don't sleep after being awake for 1.5 hours. |
| Temperature | Your baby may be too hot or too cold. |
| Thirst | Babies may wake up thirsty. |
| Sleep habits | Babies can become accustomed to sleep habits such as being fed or rocked to sleep. |
| Day/night patterns | Some babies sleep well during the day but are awake at night. |
| Wake times | Babies need to be awake for a certain amount of time before they can sleep. |
| Discomfort | Your baby may be uncomfortable due to gas or an intolerance. |
| Sleep environment | A consistent bedtime routine in a dimly lit room can help your baby sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger, illness, and not understanding the time of day
Newborns generally sleep between 14 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period, waking up frequently to feed. At one week old, your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb and is learning to differentiate between night and day.
Hunger
It is important to establish a good daytime feeding routine to ensure your baby is full and satisfied. Feed your baby 8 to 10 times during the day, even if this means waking them up from daytime sleep. This will ensure they are not waking up during the night due to hunger. If your baby is not sleeping without nursing first, they may not be getting enough food during the day. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is firmly established before offering a pacifier.
Illness
If your baby's sleep struggles don't go away, there may be a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a medical professional. Contact a healthcare professional if your baby is having difficulty breathing, or if their lack of sleep is impacting their mood, general well-being, or concentration.
Not understanding the time of day
Your baby's brain will take a few weeks to learn the difference between night and day. To help them understand, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low and avoid playing with or talking to your baby. This will send the message that nighttime is for sleeping. During the day, do not keep your baby awake in the hopes that they will sleep better at night. Overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping at night than those who have had enough sleep during the day.
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Overheating or over-bundling
It is important to consider the temperature of your baby's sleep environment and their clothing, as overheating can definitely impact their sleep. Babies have a harder time sleeping if they are too hot or too cold. Overheating is a potential risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so it's important to be mindful of this. Ensure your baby's room is a comfortable temperature, typically between 68–72°F (20–22°C). If you're unsure, feel your baby's chest to see if it's sweaty or too warm; this will help you determine if the room is too hot or cold. Their bedding and sleepwear should be made of breathable materials, and they should not be overdressed or over-bundled for sleep. A good guideline is to dress your baby in one layer more than you would wear at night. For example, if you'd wear a shirt and pants, dress your baby in those plus a light swaddle or sleep sack. Avoid hats or excessive head covering unless it's very cold. Keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep, as this is an area where they release excess heat. If you're using a swaddle, ensure it's not too tight and that your baby's hips can move freely. Stop swaddling once your baby starts to roll onto their side or stomach. Instead, you can transition to a sleep sack, which allows for more movement but still provides a cozy, enclosed feeling.
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Day/night reversal schedule
It is common for newborns to have unpredictable sleep patterns, and it can be frustrating and exhausting for parents. This is known as day/night reversal or day-night confusion, and it happens because a baby's internal biological clock, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, is still immature after birth. In the womb, a baby's sleep is driven by their mother's movements and activities, but after birth, they may continue to sleep when their mother is active and be awake when their mother is resting.
Day/night reversal typically resolves by 8 weeks of age, but there are some things you can do to help your baby adjust sooner:
- Keep their environment bright during the day and dark and quiet at night. Natural light helps reset their internal clock. If you can’t get outside, place your baby’s crib near a window that gets steady, bright light.
- Avoid sleep-inducing activities during the day, such as putting them in a car seat. Keeping them awake a little longer during each waking period will help increase their need for sleep later.
- At night, keep lights off near your baby’s sleeping area and limit sound and movement.
- Consider swaddling your baby at night to keep their arms and legs still so they don't wake themselves up.
- Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat during the day. Breastfed babies may still need to feed at least once or twice during the night, but you can slowly stretch the time between nighttime feedings.
- Play with your baby for a few minutes after a feeding instead of letting them fall asleep.
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Sleep habits and sleep training
It is common for newborns not to sleep through the night until they are around one year old. Newborns generally sleep about 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, waking up frequently for feedings both day and night. They may also wake up due to hunger, illness, discomfort, or not understanding the time of day.
Sleep habits
Newborns may develop sleep habits that can be hard to break, such as being fed or rocked to sleep. To prevent this, you can play with your baby for a few minutes after feeding instead of letting them fall asleep. Getting them outside in the sun can help reset their internal clock, but if you can't go outside, placing their crib near a window with steady, bright light can also help.
You should also avoid sleep-inducing activities during the day, such as car rides, to help them stay awake and increase their need for sleep later. At night, keep the lights low or off near their sleeping area, and limit sound and movement. You can also swaddle your baby at night to keep them feeling secure and prevent their reflexes from waking them up.
Sleep training
Sleep training can help your baby learn that the day is for play and the night is for rest. You can keep them awake a little longer during each waking period during the day, and ensure they have a full tummy before bedtime. Creating a consistent sleep schedule can also help, and you should watch for sleepy cues to ensure your baby is given the opportunity to nap before they become overtired.
You should also ensure your baby has some quiet time before their nap and is not overstimulated by activities or their environment. Putting your baby in their cot when they are tired but still awake can help them learn to settle themselves and prevent them from relying on external cues to fall asleep.
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Inconsistent sleep schedules
It is common for newborns to have inconsistent sleep schedules. Their sleep patterns are different from those of adults, and they are supposed to wake up frequently to feed. Newborns' sleep can be understood as a cycle of waking, eating, having some awake time, and then going back to sleep for 30 minutes to 2-3 hours.
In the early months of a baby's life, it is normal for them to be awake at night for short phases, which usually last just a few days or weeks. This is often due to newborns needing to feed during the night, as they digest breast milk quickly and wake up hungry. However, as they adjust to life outside the womb, their nocturnal habits should correct themselves.
If your newborn is struggling to sleep, it may be helpful to establish a sleep routine. This could include limiting daytime naps to three hours and making clear distinctions between day and night, such as keeping the room dark during naps and avoiding screen time during nighttime feedings. It is also important to ensure that your baby is comfortable and not too hot or cold. Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and prevent them from waking themselves up with sudden movements.
If your baby is used to falling asleep in your arms, it may take a few days for them to adjust to sleeping in a crib or bassinet. To ease this transition, you can swaddle them for comfort and give them a cuddle until they are drowsy before putting them down. Consistency is key, and you can also use settling methods such as shushing or white noise to help them fall asleep.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleep patterns, it is important to contact a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues, such as illness or allergies, that may be impacting your baby's sleep.
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