Reasons Why Your Newborn Isn’t Sleeping at Night

Having a baby is a blissful experience, but experiencing parenthood for the first time can be equally challenging and exhausting. Sleepless nights filled with your baby’s constant crying or restlessness are common for new parents. Newborn babies cannot express themselves verbally, so understanding their behavioural patterns is crucial. Babies take time to adapt to the world outside the womb, which is completely different from the dark, warm, and comforting environment they spend their 9 months in. Let’s explore common reasons for sleepless nights in newborns and remedies to help them and you too, rest better.

5 Reasons Why Newborns Struggle to Sleep at Night

Understanding the common reasons behind newborn sleep struggles is key to addressing sleep challenges effectively. Recognising hunger, discomfort, or developmental changes can significantly improve your baby’s sleep quality and reduce nighttime disruptions.

Hunger or Growth Spurts 

During the initial days, babies lose about 1/10th of their body weight and need frequent feeding to regain it. Growth spurts in babies cause hunger, making them wake up often at night. Feeding your newborn baby at regular intervals is essential to ensure they stay full, calm, and well-rested.

Immature Sleep Cycles 

Sleep cycles in babies are shorter, and they may wake up frequently. In the womb, a mother’s movements during the day help the baby to sleep, but at night, while the mother is sleeping, the baby becomes more active. After birth, being habitual of a similar sleep pattern, they take time to adjust to external stimuli. Light, noise and cooler temperatures can disrupt their sleeping patterns further.

Discomfort or Colic 

Newborns may cry due to discomfort or colic, which is common and typically harmless. However, prolonged crying can leave the baby overtired, further disrupting their sleep. Burping the baby after feeding, ensuring they are comfortable, and using soothing techniques can help alleviate discomfort and calm them down.

Day/Night Confusion 

Day/night confusion is common in newborns as they adjust to life outside the womb. Babies often sleep during the day and stay awake at night due to an underdeveloped circadian rhythm. This irregular sleep pattern is normal and typically resolves itself within a few weeks as the baby matures.

Need for Comfort or Closeness 

Babies crave the closeness and warmth of the womb. After birth, they seek comfort through skin-to-skin contact and cuddles. Holding your baby close helps them feel secure and improves bonding. This practice also benefits mothers by easing postpartum stress and promoting emotional well-being.

(Also Read, When can I take my Newborn Baby Outside?)

Environmental Factors That Could Affect Newborn Sleep

Creating an ideal sleep environment is essential for newborns. Factors such as room temperature, light exposure, and noise levels play a significant role in your baby’s sleep patterns and overall rest quality.

Room Temperature 

An ideal room temperature ensures your baby sleeps peacefully. A room that is too hot or too cold can cause discomfort, affecting their sleep. Maintaining a temperature between 16-20°C, dressing the baby in breathable fabrics, and using a suitable blanket or swaddle can create a cosy and safe sleeping environment.

Noise Levels and Light Exposure 

Excessive noise and light can disturb a newborn’s sleep. Use blackout curtains to block out natural light and keep the room quiet or use white noise to mimic womb-like conditions. Gradually introducing natural light during the day helps establish a healthy circadian rhythm for your baby over time.

Overstimulation Before Bedtime 

Overstimulating activities like bright toys or loud sounds close to bedtime can make it harder for your baby to settle. Establishing a calm and soothing pre-bedtime routine with dim lighting, gentle lullabies, or a warm bath helps signal the baby it’s time to sleep, promoting a peaceful transition.

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How to Improve Your Newborn’s Sleep Patterns

Improving your newborn’s sleep patterns requires consistent bedtime routines, comfort, and a calming environment. Implementing proven strategies for soothing and enhancing sleep helps ensure your baby gets restful sleep during the night.

Establish a Bedtime Routine 

Creating a consistent bedtime routine helps your baby feel secure. This could include a warm bath, gentle massage, feeding, and reading a story or singing a lullaby. Repeating these activities nightly will cue your baby to recognise bedtime, aiding in the development of a predictable sleep pattern over time.

Swaddling and Soothing Techniques 

Swaddling helps mimic the snug feeling of the womb and can prevent moro reflex or startle reflex in babies while sleeping. Try soothing techniques along with swaddling like rocking, humming, or white noise to help your baby feel safe and calm, promoting longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

Encourage Daytime Activity 

Engaging your baby in mild activities during the day can help tire them out. Gentle tummy time that involves laying them on their tummy or interactions with soft toys keeps them stimulated. Expose them to natural light during the day to reinforce the difference between day and night, helping regulate their sleep cycle over time.

Feeding and Diaper Changes 

Ensure your baby is fed and comfortable before bedtime. Full feedings help them sleep longer stretches. Check their diaper regularly to prevent discomfort or rash. Try to keep nighttime feedings and changes low-key with dim lights and minimal noise to avoid overstimulating the baby and disrupting sleep further.

(Also Read, How to Hold a Newborn Baby Safely?)

Conclusion 

Understanding your newborn’s sleep challenges and addressing them patiently can make the transition to parenthood smoother. By identifying the reasons behind their restless nights and implementing soothing techniques, you can help your baby adjust to their new environment. Consistency, comfort, and maintaining a calm routine are key to fostering healthy sleep habits. Remember, each baby is unique, and with time, your little one will naturally develop a better sleep pattern, ensuring more peaceful nights for the entire family.

The overall growth of a baby requires a strong foundation. At Bachpan Play School, we believe that a child’s future begins the moment they are born. Planning for their well-being, development, and education starts early. With our comprehensive SPROUT Curriculum, we provide children with the best start in our Playgroup (Level 1), Nursery (Level 2), LKG (Level 3), and UKG (Level 4) programs, nurturing their growth from day one to set them up for lifelong success.

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