Question
A four-month-old baby is exhibiting abnormal sleep patterns, with a later bedtime and shorter sleep cycles. What could be the reasons for this?
Answer
Abnormal sleep patterns in infants can be related to various health conditions, including neonatal meningitis, neonatal pneumonia, or calcium deficiency, among others. It is advisable to observe if there are any bald spots on the baby’s scalp and assess their sun exposure and calcium absorption. If diagnosed with calcium deficiency, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can be administered, along with increased sun exposure. If symptoms such as coughing, fever, and indigestion are present, it may indicate pneumonia, requiring symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. In the case of neonatal meningitis, there may be seizures and convulsions, necessitating a lumbar puncture for confirmation.