Evie Summers
Newborns have erratic sleep patterns, and it is common for parents to wonder why their baby won't sleep. There are several reasons why newborns fight sleep during the day, including hunger, overstimulation, over-tiredness, discomfort, or immature circadian rhythm. As newborns have small stomachs, they require frequent feedings throughout the day and night. They can also be easily overstimulated by their surroundings, leading to difficulty sleeping. Additionally, newborns can quickly become overtired, resulting in a surge of cortisol and adrenaline that makes it harder for them to fall asleep. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calm environment, and responding to sleepy cues can help newborns sleep better during the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Day-Night Confusion | Newborns may not be tired enough to fall asleep at bedtime due to day-night confusion. |
| Overtired | Babies can become overtired when naps are short or wake windows are too long, resulting in a surge of cortisol and adrenaline that makes it harder to fall asleep. |
| Overstimulation | Newborns can easily become overstimulated by too many people, bright lights, or noise, making it difficult to fall asleep. |
| Hunger | Newborns may fight sleep due to frequent feedings throughout the night and day, as they have small stomachs. |
| Discomfort | Newborns can be disturbed by discomforts such as wet diapers, tight clothing, or temperature regulation issues. |
| Sleep Regression | Sleep regressions can occur around developmental milestones, causing a sudden fight against bedtime or trouble staying asleep. |
| Separation Anxiety | Babies may fight sleep when separated from their caregivers, experiencing a state of alarm that makes falling asleep challenging. |
| Wake Windows | Babies have individual wake windows, and missing the sleep window can lead to overtiredness and sleep resistance. |
| Temperament | A baby's temperament can influence their sleep patterns, and some may fight sleep due to their personality traits. |
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Day-night confusion
Newborns have an immature circadian sleep-wake system, which means they are still developing their internal 24-hour rhythm that tells them when to be awake and when to sleep. This can lead to erratic sleep patterns, with newborns sleeping longer during the day and then staying awake for longer stretches at night.
To help regulate your newborn's sleep pattern, you can provide behavioural cues that distinguish daytime from nighttime. Encourage active playtime during the day to cue your newborn that daytime is for playing and interaction. Use natural daylight and lights around your home to stimulate your baby's brain and associate daylight with being awake and active. Capping naps during the day to no more than two hours can also help encourage longer stretches of sleep at night.
Additionally, creating a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment can help your baby establish a sleep pattern. It is important to be patient and consistent in your approach, as it may take some time for your newborn's circadian rhythm to develop and for them to adjust to their new environment.
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Overstimulation
Newborns can become overstimulated very easily, and this can cause them to fight sleep. Overstimulation can be caused by too many people around, bright lights, or a noisy environment. The world is a very exciting and busy place for a newborn compared to the calm environment of the womb.
If your newborn is overstimulated, try swaddling them and moving to a dark, quiet room. You could also try using a sound machine or a sleepy playlist to help reduce stimulation and soothe your baby to sleep. It is important to get to know your baby's "wake windows", or the amount of time they can handle being awake at a stretch, which varies by age. For example, a 1-month-old can be awake for about an hour at a time, while a 3-month-old can be awake for up to two hours.
If your baby is fighting sleep, it might be because they are overstimulated by their environment. Take inventory of your baby's sleep situation and what they might be reacting to. Is something in the room too stimulating, bright, or noisy? What about what they're wearing—could it be too hot, cold, or itchy? Reducing stimulation can help your baby relax and fall asleep more easily.
Additionally, it is important to consider your baby's temperament and personality traits. Some babies may be more sensitive to stimulation and may need a calmer environment to fall asleep. Consistency in your approach to sleep, including bedtime routines, sleep environment, and a general sleep schedule, can also help your baby adjust and reduce overstimulation.
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Hunger
Newborns' sleep patterns are also influenced by their immature circadian rhythm, which means they have not yet developed a clear understanding of the difference between night and day. This is known as day-night confusion, where newborns are very sleepy during the day and struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. To help with this, maintain normal rhythms by providing sunshine and engaging in fun activities during the day, and creating a calm and dark environment in the evening.
Additionally, parental support during feeding time can hinder a newborn's ability to fall asleep independently. For example, rocking or feeding a baby to sleep can become a sleep association, making it challenging for them to fall asleep without these aids. While it is normal for newborns to sleep for short periods, parental support can make it more difficult for them to develop the skills to sleep independently.
It is important to note that every baby is different, and their sleep patterns and needs will vary. Some babies may be sleepy eaters, making it challenging for them to feed enough during the day, which can impact their overall sleep patterns. As a result, they may fight sleep due to hunger or discomfort.
To address hunger as a reason for a newborn fighting sleep during the day, ensure they are feeding adequately throughout the day and receiving the necessary nutrients. If you suspect your baby is not feeding enough due to sleepiness, consult a healthcare professional for advice on feeding techniques or strategies to keep them more active during the day.
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Sleep regression
To help your baby through sleep regression, it is important to be patient and consistent. Stick to a balanced schedule of rest and playtime, and pay attention to your baby's cues. Keep the room dimly lit, and follow the same routine each time, including pre-sleep activities like a nightly bath, changing into pajamas, and a bedtime story or song. You should also try to keep putting your baby down to sleep around the same times each day but be flexible and respond to their cues. For example, if your baby looks sleepy before bedtime, put them to bed a little earlier, as a baby who feels tired will fall asleep faster, and waiting too long can cause overtiredness.
If sleep regression doesn't disappear or you are unsure about the cause, you can reach out to a healthcare professional for advice.
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Separation anxiety
There are many reasons why newborns fight sleep during the day. They could be overtired, overstimulated, hungry, or uncomfortable. They may also be experiencing separation anxiety, which can cause sleep struggles and make bedtime difficult.
There are several signs that your baby may be experiencing separation anxiety:
- Crying when you enter the nursery or when you leave the room
- Being fussier than usual and only settling down for sleep if held
- Crying at nap/bedtime when being laid down
- Taking short naps or suddenly struggling to fall asleep at nap time
- Waking up in the middle of the night when this wasn't an issue before
- Fighting bedtime or not wanting to be left alone at night
If your baby is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to help:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and provide plenty of love, cuddles, and reassurance.
- Play games like peek-a-boo to teach your baby that even if they can't see you, you're still there.
- Give your baby extra time in the morning to get ready for school or daycare to avoid feeling rushed, which can make transitions or separations more difficult.
- Provide a lovey or transitional object for comfort, but only for babies 12 months or older.
- Teach your baby relaxation techniques, such as replacing frightening thoughts with images of safety and happiness.
- Talk to your baby about what you'll do together when they wake up in the morning.
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