By: Vaishnavi Raju | Date: January 28, 2021

Sleep Problems in Babies : A Detailed Guide On How to Treat It

"Infants can have disruptions in their sleep at midnight because of separation anxiety".

New moms always struggle with their baby’s sleeping habits. All infants need some time before they fall asleep. But, if the child is taking too long to sleep or crying a lot, it could be an infant sleep problem. You could find it difficult to understand how to make a baby sleep. Sleep is crucial for the growth and development of the infant. New-borns sleep much of the time. As the baby grows old, the duration of sleep decreases. Infant sleep problems can cause other sleep-related problems.

What are the signs of Infant sleep problems?

Good sleep is very important for the infant’s health and immunity. It’s often difficult for new parents to notice the signs of infant sleep problems. Baby’s sleep is also disturbed when they are overstimulated or overtired.

You may look for the following signs:

1. Waking and crying more than twice in the night after sleeping overnight.
2. The child stops breathing for 10 seconds. Baby makes snoring sleep sounds with their mouth open.
3. Crying when you leave the room.
4. Clinging or cuddling with the parent and refuses to leave.
5. Infant continuously shifts positions and throws legs while sleeping
6. The child wakes up suddenly after 90 minutes of sleep and cries loudly.
7. Difficulty in staying awake during the day

Which sleep problems occur in children due to lack of sleep?

A new-born baby’s sleep cycle depends on their age. A 1 month-old baby sleeps through the night and 8 hours in the daytime also. Sleep duration decreases as the baby grows. Lack of sleep may cause some infant sleep problems. They include

Sleep apnea

Sometimes your child stops breathing for periods of 10 seconds while sleeping. You can hear the snoring sounds of the baby while sleeping. Baby sleeps with their mouth open and seems to be excessively sleepy during the daytime. Sleep apnea can lead to behavioural issues in the infants.

Restless leg syndrome

RLS is an infant sleep problem where the child shudders and changes sleeping position continuously. They feel sensation in their legs and often throw their legs while sleeping. The infant’s sleep quality deteriorates as a result of RLS.

Night terror/Nightmares

Night terror causes the infant to wake up suddenly from the sleep appearing shaking of agitated. This sudden disturbance in sleep can lead to intense crying of the baby. This happens during non-REM sleep- about 90 minutes after an infant goes to sleep

How many baby sleep cycles are there?

One-month-old baby sleeps throughout the night and almost 16 hours in a whole day. Babies have different sleep cycles than adults. Infants spend less time in REM sleep (dreaming sleep). Baby sleep cycles are shorter. 3-month-old baby sleep cycles last about 40 minutes. A 3 months baby starts developing night and day sleep patterns. A 4-month-old baby sleeps long hours at night and less during the daytime. Baby sleep hours change with age.

Baby sleep chart

How to make a baby sleep fast?

As a new mom, it’s difficult to find out how to make a baby sleep fast. Babies may not able to sleep on their own when they wake up at night. Parents need to make a bedtime routine to make the baby fall asleep fast. Cuddling and comforting your baby during the daytime can help to reduce their separation anxiety.

Use these ways to make your baby sleep fast:-

• Create a bedtime routine like rocking, singing a lullaby, breastfeeding to make your baby sleep fast.
• Comfort your baby with hugs to make them feel secure
• Avoid stimulation during bedtime
• Allow the baby to sleep each day as many hours they need as per their age.
• If the baby awakes at midnight, comfort the baby by patting at back and soothing them.
• When your baby can roll and sit, give them a soft toy to sleep with.

How to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related problems?

SIDS is an infant sleep problem that can lead to the death of the baby. The cause of SIDS is not known clearly. It can occur in the baby’s sleep hours or also when they are awake. Experts believe that certain environmental stresses like smoking, getting tangled in bed or breathing can be the cause of this problem.

Ways to reduce SIDS risk:-

• Always place baby on their back to sleep.
• Keep your baby’s head uncovered. The blanket should be below the shoulders.
• Make your baby sleep in a basket or cot near you for the first six months.
• Use a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress
• Breastfeed your baby during bedtime.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke in front of the baby.
• Do not sleep with your baby on a sofa, armchair, or bed.
• Do not share a bed with your baby if your partner smokes.

Best tips to improve a child’s sleep?

It is sometimes difficult to find out how to make your baby sleep. Some tips can help you to solve that problem. The best tips include:-

• Make sure the temperature of the room is between 16-30 degrees Celsius.
• Make sure the house is quiet and calm
• Don’t give a large meal to the baby during bedtime.
• There should be no radio, TV, mobile phones, radio playing when the child is going to sleep.
• Infants should be put to sleep when yawning, rubbing eyes, or looking away.

The bottom line

Infant sleep problems can cause various problems in the baby later. Look out for symptoms of the infant sleep problems and try to comfort the child. Baby’s sleeping hours is very important for the growth and development of children.