Here’s why your baby looks restless when they sleep
As a parent, you may find yourself perplexed when your baby appears restless during sleep. It can be especially confusing when you’ve done everything you can to ensure their comfort. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do to help your little one—and yourself—get a better night’s rest.
Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns spend up to 75% of their sleep in what is known as active sleep. This is a stage of sleep that may look very restless. Unlike adults, who experience sleep paralysis during certain stages to prevent acting out dreams, newborns don’t have this protective mechanism. As a result, you might notice your newborn thrashing around, kicking, grunting, or even crying out during their sleep. Their eyes might flutter, making them look awake or uncomfortable.
These restless symptoms can become even more pronounced as the night progresses, peaking in the early morning hours. If you find yourself trying to burp your baby repeatedly in the early morning hours because they seem gassy, they might actually be in an active sleep phase.
Tips for Helping Newborns Sleep
To help your newborn transition from active sleep to quieter sleep, consider using a pacifier or swaddling them. Swaddling can help mimic the snug feeling of being in the womb and might calm some of the startle reflexes that contribute to their restlessness.
Sleep Patterns for Older Babies
As your baby grows past the newborn stage, their sleep pattern evolves through various stages: stage one, stage two, stage three, and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM is a very light sleep, and babies spend much time in this stage, especially as they begin to develop new skills. This light sleep can also appear restless, though older babies are typically less active in their restlessness compared to newborns.
Addressing Exacerbated Sleep Restlessness
An important tip to note is that an overtired baby is more likely to spend extended periods in light sleep, which can be restless. Ensuring they get sufficient naps during the day, perhaps on the go, can help reduce overtiredness. Holding your baby for naps can sometimes contribute to them getting better rest at night, as it prevents them from becoming overtired and further reduces nighttime restlessness.
Final Thoughts
Understanding why your baby seems restless can help ease your worries and improve your approach to their sleep routine. If you continue to have concerns or need advice tailored to your situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatric sleep specialist or your child’s pediatrician for personalized support. Sleep well, and happy parenting!
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Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP