Question

Why does my newborn keep having restless sleep?

Answer

Newborns can be quite restless and have irregular sleeping patterns due to several factors, and it’s important to understand that this is normal during the early weeks and months of a baby’s life. Here are some common reasons why your newborn may have restless sleep:

  1. Feeding cycle: Newborns often feed every 1-3 hours. Their stomachs are small, and they need frequent feeding to sustain their rapid growth and development.
  2. Developmental milestones: Babies are rapidly growing and developing their senses. This can lead to periods of restlessness as the brain processes new experiences during wakeful periods.
  3. Deep sleep cycles: Newborns have very short periods of deep sleep. The frequent transitions between light and deep sleep can make them restless.
  4. Sleep regulation: Babies haven’t yet learned how to regulate their sleep or fall asleep independently, so they are more susceptible to external stimuli or internal requirements.
  5. Temperature control: Babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature. A room that’s too hot or too cold can disrupt their sleep.
  6. Environment changes: A room that’s too noisy, bright, or crowded can disturb a baby’s sleep.
  7. Teething: While teething can occur in the first few months (though it’s more common after age 6 months), it can cause discomfort and Agitation in some babies that can lead to restless sleep.