Why do babies fight sleep? In this blog post, we will delve into some of the underlying causes of why infants fight sleep and provide some insights into how to aid your little ones in achieving the rest they require.

As caretakers of infants, one of the most formidable challenges we encounter is ensuring their slumber. 

It’s no secret that babies can be notoriously fussy when it comes to sleep. You may have noticed that your little one seems to fight sleep, even when they’re clearly exhausted. But why is this happening? And what can you do to help your baby sleep better?

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Baby Sleep Cycles

Before we talk about why babies fight sleep, you must first understand how a baby’s sleep cycle works. Baby sleep cycles are quite different from adult sleep cycles. While adults have a cycle that lasts for about 90-120 minutes, a baby’s sleep cycle is shorter, usually around 50-60 minutes. 

Additionally, babies spend more time in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is when they’re more likely to dream and move around in their sleep.

Light sleep is a crucial part of a baby’s sleep cycle. During this phase, babies are more susceptible to waking up during nap time due to any disruptions. They may also experience partial arousal or wake up briefly before falling back asleep. 

When this happens, it is important to not jump up and immediately take the baby out of bed on the assumption that they just take short naps. But seriously…don’t do it! In most cases, it’s just a case of waking during the light sleep phase and they will go back to sleep if you let them be.  

As a result, it’s essential to take steps to ensure that infants can stay asleep during this phase, particularly if they’re struggling with sleep disturbances or waking up frequently.

Here are some steps you can take to help your baby stay asleep during the light sleep phase:

1. Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure that your baby’s sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark and noise-canceling devices or white noise machines to block out any sounds that could wake them up. Keeping the room temperature around 68-72°F can also help ensure that your baby stays comfortable and doesn’t wake up due to feeling too hot or cold.
2. Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Creating a regular bedtime routine can help your baby’s body recognize when it’s time to sleep. This routine might include a warm bath, a gentle massage, reading a story, and singing a lullaby. Stick to the same routine every night to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
3. Use swaddling or a sleep sack: Swaddling can help keep your baby feeling secure and prevent them from startling themselves awake. A sleep sack or wearable blanket can also help keep them cozy and comfortable without the risk of loose blankets.
4. Try a dream feed: If your baby tends to wake up frequently during the night, consider doing a dream feed right before you go to bed. A dream feed involves feeding your baby while they’re still asleep, which can help them sleep longer stretches during the night.
5. Be mindful of wake windows: Infants can only stay awake for a certain amount of time before they become overtired and have difficulty falling asleep. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and try to put them down for naps and bedtime before they become overtired. Age-appropriate wake windows can vary, so it’s helpful to look up recommended wake window lengths for your baby’s age.

Remember, that every baby is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one. Consistency and patience are key when it comes to helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits.

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How Do Babies Communicate Their Need for Sleep?

​Babies can communicate their need for sleep in various ways, and it’s important for parents to be able to recognize the most common sleep cues. These include eye rubbing, yawning, fussiness, irritability, decreased activity, and even zoning out or staring off into space. 

As they get sleepier, they may also have slowed movements and decreased responsiveness to stimulation. By paying attention to these cues, parents can help their babies get the restful sleep they need to grow and develop properly.

​Recognizing Your Baby’s Sleep Window

​A baby’s sleep window refers to the optimal time frame for them to fall asleep easily and stay asleep for longer periods. It’s the time when they are naturally tired and ready for a nap or bedtime. This window typically occurs after a certain period of wakefulness and can vary depending on the age and individual sleep needs of the baby. 

For example, a newborn may have a sleep window of only 45 minutes to an hour, while older babies may be able to stay awake for two to three hours before needing a nap. 

Recognizing and following a baby’s sleep window can help them get the sleep they need and prevent them from becoming overtired, which can make it more difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

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​What is a Baby Wake Window?

​A baby’s wake window refers to the amount of time they can comfortably stay awake between naps or bedtime. It’s the period of time when they are alert, active, and engaged, and can vary depending on the age and individual sleep needs of the baby. 

It’s important to pay attention to a baby’s wake window, as keeping them awake for too long can lead to overtiredness, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. On the other hand, putting them down for a nap or bedtime during their wake window can help them fall asleep more easily and get the restful sleep they need to grow and develop properly.

Why Babies Fight Sleep

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get a baby to sleep, especially when they seem to be fighting it every step of the way. There are many reasons why babies may resist sleep, from physical discomfort to separation anxiety, but the good news is that there are actionable steps you can take to help with each issue. 

In this article, I will be discussing some common reasons why babies fight sleep and providing tips and strategies to help your little one get the rest they need. 

So, let’s dive in and explore some practical solutions for common sleep struggles!

Day/Night Confusion in Infants 

Many newborns and young infants have what’s known as day/night confusion, which is when their sleep pattern is the opposite of what’s considered normal. This means that they may sleep more during the day and be more awake and alert at night, which can be frustrating for parents who are trying to establish a consistent sleep routine.

This confusion can happen because babies are not born with a fully developed circadian rhythm, which is the natural 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness in humans. The circadian rhythm is influenced by external cues such as light and darkness, which signal the body to either be awake or asleep.

In newborns and young infants, the circadian rhythm is still developing and is not yet synchronized with the external environment. This means that they may not yet be able to distinguish between daytime and nighttime and may sleep more during the day when it’s bright and noisy and be more alert at night when it’s quiet and dark.

To help establish a consistent sleep routine and overcome day/night confusion, there are a few things parents can do:

1. Keep daytime activities stimulating: During the day, expose your baby to natural light and engage them in playtime and social interaction.
2. Create a sleep-conducive environment at night: Keep your baby’s sleep environment quiet, cool, and dark. Use white noise or a lullaby to create a soothing atmosphere.
3. Establish a consistent sleep routine: Establish a consistent sleep routine that includes a calming and consistent bedtime routine with a bath, book, or lullaby.
4. Avoid stimulating activities at night: Try to avoid stimulating activities like playing or watching TV at night, and keep nighttime feedings and diaper changes as brief and quiet as possible.

Remember, it may take some time for your baby to develop a consistent sleep routine and establish a healthy circadian rhythm.

Overstimulation in Infants

You know how we can get overwhelmed with too much stimulation, like loud music, bright lights, or lots of activity around us? Well, babies can experience the same thing, but it can happen much more easily since their senses are still developing.

For example, if a baby is exposed to loud noises, bright lights, or lots of activity before bedtime, it can overload their senses and make it hard for them to calm down and sleep. 

They may become fussy or cry more than usual, seem hyper or wired even when they’re exhausted, or have trouble focusing or settling down.

All of this overstimulation from too much noise, light, or activity, leads to stress and exhaustion in babies. Here’s what overstimulation in infants may look like:

1. Fussiness and crying: Overstimulated infants may become increasingly fussy and may cry more than usual. They may have a hard time settling down, even when you try to comfort them.
2. Increased activity: Overstimulated babies may become more active and have difficulty calming down or falling asleep. They may seem “wired” or hyper, even when they are exhausted.
3. Sensory overload: Overstimulation can overload a baby’s senses, causing them to become overwhelmed and overstimulated. They may become irritable or cranky and have trouble concentrating or focusing.

To prevent overstimulation in infants, it’s important to create a calm and soothing environment. This can include reducing noise and bright lights, providing a comfortable and familiar sleeping space, and limiting the amount of stimulation your baby receives before bedtime. 

Baby is Overtired

Baby is overtired so that means they should fall asleep quickly and take a good nap, right? WRONG! I know it seems like the logical answer, but babies are complicated. 

An overtired infant may display a range of behaviors that can be concerning for parents. When babies become overtired, their little bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which can make it difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep. Here are some signs that your baby may be overtired:

1. Fussiness and crying: Overtired babies may cry more than usual and may be difficult to soothe. They may seem inconsolable and have a hard time settling down, even when you try rocking, feeding, or cuddling them.
2. Hyperactivity: Surprisingly, some babies may become more active when they are overtired. They may seem to be “wired” and have a hard time calming down or winding down for sleep.
3. Clinginess: Overtired babies may become more clingy and demand more attention from their caregivers. They may resist being put down for sleep and want to be held constantly.
4. Trouble feeding: Overtired babies may have a hard time feeding or may seem uninterested in feeding altogether. This can be concerning for parents, as babies need adequate nutrition to grow and develop.
5. Sleep disturbances: Ironically, an overtired baby may have trouble sleeping, even though they are exhausted. They may wake up frequently during the night, have trouble falling asleep, or have restless sleep.

If you notice these signs in your baby, it’s essential to address their overtiredness and help them get the rest they need. You can do this by establishing a consistent sleep routine, ensuring they are getting enough naps during the day, and creating a sleep-conducive environment. It’s also important to be patient and gentle with your baby, as overtiredness can be challenging for them too.

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Inability to Self-Soothe

One of the main reasons babies fight sleep is their inability to self-soothe. This means that they have not yet developed the skills to calm themselves down when they’re feeling upset or overstimulated.

This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep, stay asleep, or go back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night. And less sleep for the baby means less sleep for mom and dad.

So, what can you do to help your baby develop good sleep habits and healthy sleep routines?

First and foremost, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine for your baby. This means having a set bedtime and wake-up time and following the same routine every night to help your baby associate certain actions with sleep. 

Another key factor in promoting healthy sleep habits is creating a conducive sleep environment. This means ensuring that the room is quiet, dark (blackout curtains for the win!), and cool enough for your baby to sleep comfortably. Using white noise or a soothing sleep sound machine is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere.

In addition to these strategies, it’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust your routine accordingly. For example, if your baby seems overtired or overstimulated, try reducing the amount of stimulation in their environment or adjusting their sleep schedule.

Baby Develops Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a normal part of a baby’s development, and it typically develops between 6-8 months old. It happens when a baby realizes that they’re separate from their caregiver and can’t see or touch them all the time. This realization can be distressing for babies, and they might cry or become clingy when separated from their caregiver.

Separation anxiety can definitely affect a baby’s sleep, as they might have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep without their caregiver nearby. They might wake up more frequently during the night or have trouble settling back down without reassurance from their caregiver.

Here are some actionable steps that can help infants suffering from missing sleep due to separation anxiety:

1. Practice separation in small doses: Start by practicing short separations during the day, such as leaving the room for a few minutes while your baby plays. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re away to help your baby get used to being away from you.
2. Create a predictable routine: Establishing a predictable routine can help your baby feel more secure and know what to expect. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine, and make sure your baby’s sleep environment is comfortable and familiar.
3. Encourage self-soothing: Teaching your baby to self-soothe can help them feel more independent and confident when it comes to falling asleep. You can try introducing a lovey or comfort object that your baby associates with sleep, such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal.
4. Practice responsive comforting: When your baby is upset, respond promptly and offer comfort. Letting your baby cry it out isn’t recommended for babies experiencing separation anxiety, as it can increase their distress and make it harder for them to fall asleep.
5. Build trust: Building trust with your baby is essential for helping them feel secure and confident. Respond consistently to their needs, and try to be present and attentive when you’re with them.

Remember, separation anxiety is a normal part of your baby’s development, and it will likely pass with time. By practicing patience and consistency, you can help your baby feel secure and confident as they navigate this new stage of their life.

How Developmental Milestones Disrupt Sleep Patterns

Babies go through a lot of changes in their first year of life, and many of these changes can affect their sleep. For example, teething, growth spurts, and developmental milestones like crawling and walking can all disrupt a baby’s regular sleep pattern.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, new skills such as learning to crawl, walk, or talk can cause sleep disturbances in infants. Babies might wake up more frequently or have difficulty falling asleep due to excitement or frustration from their newfound skills.

Another source of interruption can be developmental milestones like teething, as the pain and discomfort of new teeth breaking through can make it difficult for babies to sleep. Growth spurts can also lead to increased hunger and feedings, which can disrupt a baby’s sleep pattern and lead to baby fighting sleep. 

Here are some everyday examples of developmental changes that can interrupt a baby’s regular sleep pattern:

• Rolling over: Babies typically learn to roll over around 4-6 months, which can lead to more waking up during the night as they adjust to their new position.
• Crawling: When babies learn to crawl, they might wake up more frequently due to excitement or frustration with their new skill.
• Walking: As babies begin to walk, they might experience more restlessness at night due to the excitement and stimulation from their newfound mobility.
• Teething: The pain and discomfort of teething can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Growth spurts: During growth spurts, babies may need more frequent feedings which can interrupt their sleep pattern.

Remember, these changes are all a normal part of a baby’s development, and they will eventually pass. It’s important to remain patient and consistent with your baby’s sleep routine and to offer comfort and reassurance when they’re going through these changes.

Medical Conditions that Affect Baby Sleep

Let’s talk about some common medical conditions in babies that can affect their sleep and how to overcome the resulting sleep interruptions.

1. Acid reflux: Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. This can lead to disrupted sleep for babies. To help alleviate symptoms, try feeding your baby smaller, more frequent meals, burping them more frequently during feedings, and holding them upright after feedings to help with digestion.
2. Ear infections: Ear infections can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for babies to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, take them to the doctor for evaluation and treatment. You can also try using a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room to help ease congestion and make breathing easier.
3. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is briefly interrupted during sleep. This can cause sleep disturbances and disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. Treatment for sleep apnea may involve the use of a breathing device or surgery.
4. Allergies: Allergies can cause discomfort and congestion, leading to disrupted sleep for babies. If you suspect your baby has allergies, talk to their pediatrician about treatment options. You can also try using a HEPA air filter in your baby’s room to help reduce allergens in the air.
5. Colic: Colic is a condition in which babies cry for long periods of time, usually at night. This can be exhausting for parents and disrupt the baby’s sleep. To help soothe your baby during colic episodes, try using white noise, swaddling, and a calming bedtime routine.

If you suspect that your baby has a medical condition that is affecting their sleep, it’s important to consult with their pediatrician for evaluation and treatment options. By working together, you can help your baby get the sleep they need for healthy development.

Final Thoughts on Why Babies Fight Sleep 

In conclusion, there are multiple reasons why babies fight sleep. However, with patience and persistence, you can help your little one achieve the rest they require. 

Establishing a consistent sleep routine, addressing potential sources of discomfort, and remaining patient during developmental changes are all key to facilitating your infant’s sleep. 

Remember, every infant is unique, so it is crucial to understand your baby’s specific needs and personality to find the optimal solutions that work for them.

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