What To Do When My Newborn Fighting Sleep?

When a newborn resists sleep, it can be a stressful situation for any parent. It's a common challenge and there are usually several reasons behind it, such as overstimulation, hunger, or even just a way for the baby to adjust to the world outside the womb. Understanding what is causing your baby's irritability is the key to finding the right solution so that parents can help their baby settle down and get the sleep they need.

For more information, you can check today’s blog.

• What is “newborn fighting sleep”?
• Signs of your newborn is fighting sleep
• Why do newborns fight sleep?
• What do I do if my newborn fights sleep?
• Conclusion

What is “newborn fighting sleep”?

“Newborn Fighting Sleep” refers to a newborn's difficulty falling or staying asleep, even when they are tired. It could take many forms, like the baby crying, fussing, or appearing to be awake when they actually need to rest.

This is common in the first few months and is usually due to a number of factors including an immature nervous system, physical discomfort, or the baby still adjusting to a regular sleep-wake cycle outside of the womb. Understanding this helps parents know that this is a normal part of early development, as frustrating as it can be.

Signs of your newborn is fighting sleep

Here are some typical signs that your newborn is resisting sleep:

Crying:

One of the most obvious signs is when your baby starts to cry, even if they are not hungry, wet, or uncomfortable. This could be them expressing that they are tired but can't quiet down.

Rubbing eyes or face:

Newborns may rub their eyes, face, or ears when they are tired. This is a physical way for them to express sleepiness and try to soothe themselves.

Frequent yawning:

Yawning is a clear sign of tiredness. If your newborn yawns repeatedly but can't fall asleep, it usually means they are resisting sleep.

Turning their head to the side:

Sometimes babies will turn their heads toward lights, people, or other stimuli. This can be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed and having trouble falling asleep.

Becoming extra alert or wide-eyed:

Newborns may become unusually alert, staring intently at objects or people. This may indicate that they are overstimulated and having a hard time quieting down to sleep.

Stiff movements or startling:

When babies are overtired, they may startle easily or have stiff, uncoordinated movements. This restlessness may be a sign that they are having trouble falling asleep.

Refusal to eat:

Sometimes a tired baby may refuse to feed or take a bottle, even when it's time for them to eat. This may be because they are too tired and overexcited to concentrate on eating.

Why do newborns fight sleep?

Here are some of the reasons why newborns don't sleep:

Overstimulation:

Newborns are easily overstimulated by their environment. Bright lights, loud noises, or too much interaction can overwhelm their developing nervous system, making it difficult for them to calm down and fall asleep.

Hunger:

Sometimes newborns resist sleep because they are hungry, but don't fully realize it yet. Even if they've eaten recently, a sudden growth spurt can increase their hunger, causing them to have trouble falling asleep.

Discomfort:

Wet diapers, tight clothes, flatulence, and even room temperature can cause newborns to feel uncomfortable and thus resist sleep. Since they can't express their troubles, they may cry or fuss instead of quieting down.

Immature sleep cycles:

Newborns' sleep patterns are still developing and they do not have regular sleep-wake cycles. This may cause them to wake up frequently or have difficulty falling asleep because they have not yet learned to connect their sleep cycles smoothly.

Need for rest:

newborns don't always know how to transition from awake to asleep. They may need more time to calm down, especially if they have been awake for too long or have been engaged in stimulating activities.

Overtired:

If newborns are awake for too long, they can become overtired, which in turn can make it harder for them to fall asleep. When babies are overtired, stress hormones come into play, making it harder for them to relax and fall asleep.

Growth spurts:

During growth spurts, a newborn's body undergoes rapid changes. This can disrupt their usual sleep patterns, causing them to resist sleep as their body adjusts to the new demands.

What do I do if my newborn fights sleep?

Here are some strategies to try when your newborn resists sleep:

Create a quiet environment:

Reducing stimulation can help your newborn settle down. This may include dimming the lights, reducing noise levels, and limiting distractions. A calm, quiet environment helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.

Establish a routine:

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your newborn understand when it's time to sleep. This can include a warm bath, a gentle lullaby, or reading a short story. Over time, these activities will serve as cues that your baby is relaxed and ready to fall asleep.

Pay attention to sleep cues:

Watching for signs that your baby is tired, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or becoming less active, can help prevent overtiredness. It's best to start the sleep routine as soon as you notice these cues so that your baby is not too tired to fall asleep easily.

Swaddle or use a sleeping bag:

Swaddling gives newborns a sense of security and makes them feel more settled. It mimics the comfort of the womb and can keep your baby cozy. If swaddling is not possible, a sleeping bag can provide similar comfort without the need for a tight wrap.

Provide comforting sounds:

White noise or soft lullabies can create a soothing background that masks sudden noises and helps the baby fall asleep. Steady, soft sounds can remind newborns of the comforting sounds they heard in the womb.

Practice responsive feeding:

Sometimes a sleeping baby can feel hungry, even if it's been a long time since the last feeding. Feeding your baby a bottle of milk can help them settle down, as the act of feeding calms them and may satisfy their not-yet-fully-expressed hunger.

Rock or sway gently:

Rocking or gently swaying your baby can help them relax. Rhythmic movements can be soothing and mimic their movements in the womb, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

Give your baby time to self-soothe:

While it's natural to want to help your baby right away, sometimes it can be effective to give your newborn some time to self-soothe. If your baby is fussing but not crying too much, giving them a little time to try and settle down on their own can help them learn to fall asleep independently over time.

Conclusion

Newborns resisting sleep can be challenging, but it's a normal part of early development. By understanding the possible reasons behind your baby's struggles and trying different strategies, parents can help their baby find comfort and rest. Every baby is different, so it may take some time to figure out what works best. Patience and persistence are key, and over time, your baby will begin to settle into a more regular sleep pattern.