All babies, at some point, will experience some level of difficulty sleeping. This is to be expected and perfectly normal, especially when your baby is newborn and their circadian rhythm is not yet developed. However, some babies may struggle with this more than others, even if their sleep habits and environment are in place, leading parents to ask, “can babies have insomnia?”
Babies can have baby insomnia, but the majority of cases of baby insomnia resolves with time, especially when implementingconsistent schedules and routines. However in a few cases, sleep challenges continue for weeks and months. Baby insomnia can be a frustrating experience for both you and your baby.
This article uncovers exactly what baby insomnia is, baby insomnia symptoms and how best to cope with, support and improve insomnia for your baby.
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What is Baby Insomnia?
The answer to if babies can have insomnia is yes; baby insomnia, also known as Infant Sleep Disturbance (ISD), is a condition in which a baby has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is a common problem that affects many babies, especially those under six months of age. There are many reasons why a baby may experience insomnia, including discomfort, illness, hunger, or overstimulation.
Babies require a significant amount of sleep to support their physical and cognitive development, and any disruption to their sleep can have a negative impact on their overall well-being. This is why it’s important to identify the cause of your baby's insomnia and address it accordingly to help your baby get the rest they need.
There are several factors that can contribute to baby insomnia, including medical conditions, environmental factors, and developmental changes. Medical conditions that can contribute to baby insomnia include acid reflux, allergies, and sleep apnea. Environmental factors such as noise, light, or temperature can also disrupt a baby's sleep and lead to insomnia in babies. Additionally, developmental changes, such as teething or growth spurts, can affect a baby's sleep patterns.
Is Infant Sleep Disturbance Different From Baby Insomnia?
Infant sleep disturbance is a term used to describe any sleep problem or sleep pattern that is abnormal or disruptive to an infant's sleep – it is often used interchangeably with Baby Insomnia.
Signs of Baby Insomnia or Infant Sleep Disturbance
It can be challenging to tell if your baby is experiencing insomnia, especially if you are a first-time parent. However, some signs that your baby may be struggling with sleep include:
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Crying or fussing during sleep
- Refusing to nap or taking short naps
- Showing signs of tiredness or irritability during the day
- Difficulty staying awake during feedings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty with feeding and growth
If you suspect your baby is experiencing insomnia, you should consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
If you’re interested in developing a plan to help your baby establish healthy sleep habits, take this free sleep consultation and get a personalized path to better sleep today!
What Causes Insomnia in Babies or Infant Sleep Disturbance?
There are many possible causes of baby insomnia. Some of common causes include:
Hunger: If your baby is hungry, they may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Make sure your baby is well-fed before bedtime and offer them a feeding if they wake up hungry during the night. Some parents find dream feeding helps their baby sleep longer stretches at night.
Discomfort: If your baby is uncomfortable, they may have trouble sleeping. Check to make sure your baby's diaper is clean, they are dressed appropriately for the temperature, and they are in a comfortable sleeping environment.
Illness: If your baby is sick, they may have difficulty sleeping. Look for signs of illness, such as a fever, coughing, or congestion, and consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned. If your baby is under two months old and has a fever, make sure to call you pediatrician.
Overstimulation: If your baby is overstimulated, they may struggle to relax and fall asleep. Try to create a calm and quiet sleeping environment for your baby and avoid overstimulating activities before bedtime.
Developmental changes: As your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns may change. They may begin to have more frequent night wakings, shorter naps, or have difficulty falling asleep on their own.
There are also some more serious medical conditions that can cause baby insomnia. Note: If you suspect that your baby is experiencing sleep disturbances due to a medical condition, it's important to consult with a pediatrician. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions and develop a plan to help your baby get the sleep they need.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): A medical condition in which the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes pain. Reflux can make it difficult for babies to sleep, especially when they lie flat on their backs.
Colic: A condition characterized by excessive crying and fussiness in babies, often for no apparent reason. This can make it difficult for babies to settle down and fall asleep.
Allergies: Be it to food, pets, or environmental factors, allergies can cause congestion, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with a baby's sleep.
Sleep Apnea: A condition in which a baby's breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can cause them to wake up frequently throughout the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep.
Ear Infections: Can cause pain and discomfort, especially when lying down, making it difficult for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Eczema: A skin condition that can cause itching and discomfort, which can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Asthma: Can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, which can make it difficult for babies to sleep.
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep with Baby Insomnia
As a parent, you play an important role in helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits. If your baby is experiencing sleep disturbances or insomnia, there are several things you can do to help them get the sleep they need.
Here are some tips to consider to help your baby sleep:
Follow a biologically aligned sleep schedule: Putting your baby to sleep at the right time according to their sleep rhythms, when they are the perfect amount of tired but not yet overtired, can do wonders with helping them stay asleep for longer stretches. Also consider if your baby is getting too much sleep and ready to drop a nap.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine: A nightly bedtime routine can help your baby feel calm and relaxed before bed and make it easier for them to fall asleep. This routine can include a warm bath, a lullaby, and a bedtime story. Make sure to feed your baby before your bedtime routine to prevent them from getting used to being fed in order to fall asleep.
Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure your baby's sleeping environment is pitch dark, quiet, and cool. This can help them feel more comfortable and promote better sleep.
Try a pacifier: Pacifiers can help soothe babies and promote better sleep . Just make sure to follow safe sleep practices and never attach a pacifier to a string or anything else that could pose a choking hazard.
Consider sleep training: If your baby is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, sleep training may be an option. Sleep training involves helping your baby develop their innate skill of falling asleep on their own without extra parental support, which can promote better sleep in the long run.
If you're struggling with your baby’s sleep schedule or would like step by step support on how to help your baby become a strong, independent sleeper, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app. By taking steps to promote healthy sleep habits, you can help your baby get the rest they need to grow and develop into healthy, happy individuals.
Final Thoughts
It can sometimes feel like parents have insomnia after having a baby – especially if your baby is struggling to sleep at night.
While it’s important to keep in mind that establishing healthy sleep habits takes time, patience, and consistency, if you’re concerned that your little one is experiencing baby insomnia, there are ways to help improve their sleep. If you’re concerned the baby insomnia is caused by a medical condition, reach out to your pediatrician for further guidance.
