All babies, at some point, will experience some level of
difficulty sleeping. This is to be expected and perfectly normal, however some
babies may struggle with this more than others, even with the best sleep habits
in place.
In the majority of cases baby sleep resolves with time,
particularly once parents implement consistent schedules and routines. However
unfortunately 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.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
What is Baby Insomnia?
Baby insomnia, also known as infant sleep disturbance, 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. So it is 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. Additionally,
developmental changes, such as teething or growth spurts, can affect a baby's
sleep patterns.
What is Infant Sleep Disturbance? Is it Different From Baby Insomnia?
Infant Sleep Disturbance (ISD) 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 need to develop a plan to help your baby establish healthy sleep habits,
start our
free sleep consultation
and get on the path to better sleep today!
What Causes Baby Insomnia or Infant Sleep Disturbance
There are many possible causes of baby insomnia. Some of the
most 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.
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.
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 Infant Sleep Disturbance (ISD) or baby insomnia including:
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER):
A medical condition in which the stomach
contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.
This 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.
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.
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep if they have 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 help your baby sleep:
Establish a consistent
bedtime routine to help your
baby feel calm and relaxed and make it easier for them to fall asleep. This
routine can include a warm bath, a lullaby, and a bedtime story.
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.
Offer 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.
Respond to your baby's cues:
Pay attention to your baby's cues and respond to their needs promptly. This can
help them feel more secure and comfortable, promoting better sleep.
Consider sleep training: If your baby is
having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep,
sleep
training may be an option
. This involves teaching your baby to
self-soothe and fall asleep on their own, which can promote better sleep in the
long run.
It's important to keep in mind that establishing healthy
sleep
habits
takes time, patience and consistency. If you’re struggling
with being consistent 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™.
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.
FAQs:
Is it possible for a baby to have insomnia?
Yes, newborns, infants and toddlers can all suffer from baby
insomnia.
What to do if your baby has insomnia?
If your baby is suffering from insomnia, it helps to
implement healthy sleep fundamentals, a consistent bedtime routine and a biologically
appropriate sleep schedule. You can also start sleep training (if your baby is
over 4-months). Occassionally it is necessary to use behavioral interventions
to improve sleep.
What can cause insomnia in babies?
Many things can cause insomnia in babies, including hunger,
overstimulation, allergies, discomfort as well as physical and mental
development progressions.
What does insomnia look like in babies?
Most typically it is when babies wake up crying and unable
to return to sleep without parental support. While most babies will experience
sleep
challenges
from time to time, baby insomnia tends to be more
persistant, lasting weeks and months at a time.
Sources
Meltzer, L. J., & Mindell, J. A. (2007). Sleep and sleep
disorders in children and adolescents. Psychiatric Clinics, 30(4), 773-788.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1978319/
National Sleep Foundation. (2020). How much sleep do babies
and kids need? Retrieved from
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
Disclaimer:
How We Wrote This Article
The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in
trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of
Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can
find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this
page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical
professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.