Babies are known for their love of sleep. They can doze off at any time and anywhere, and this is perfectly normal for infants. However, it can be challenging for parents to determine when excessive sleeping is a cause for concern. In this article, we will discuss seven reasons why your baby may be sleeping a lot and what you can do about it.
How Much Should Babies Sleep?
First, let’s look at how much sleep babies need. Newborns usually sleep for 14 to 17 hours a day, and this gradually reduces to 12 to 15 hours by the time they are one year old. Babies under seven months may sleep for up to 19 hours, depending on their need for rest. However, since they have small stomachs, they typically wake up every two to three hours to be fed in the first few weeks.
Why Do Babies Sleep So Much?
Sleep is essential for brain development, neural network building, and behavioral formation, and since infanthood is a period of considerable growth, babies spend most of their time sleeping. However, several factors could cause newborns to sleep a lot:
- Growth Spurts
An infant’s brain produces the human growth hormone (HGH) while asleep. Hence, if the baby takes frequent naps in the day and sleeps for longer at night, they may be having a growth spurt.
- Illness
Babies who sleep continuously, show signs of drowsiness or sluggishness even after sleeping for long, and show less interest in feeding could have an underlying illness.
- Low Blood Sugar
Listless or lethargic babies who sleep longer and lack energy could have low blood sugar. They may also be inattentive to sounds or sights when awake and difficult to wake up for feedings.
- Jaundice
Due to high bilirubin levels during jaundice, babies may become more sleepy, tired, and less interested in eating.
- Infection/Illness
Babies have lower immunity and are more prone to infections. If the baby has a fever, cough, or skin color changes or sleeps too much and feeds less, they may have contracted an infection.
- Insufficient Milk
If your baby takes too little or too much time to latch on, they may be getting insufficient milk. It may make them sleep for more than four hours at a time and be lethargic.
- Vaccination
Vaccinations may cause mild side effects in babies, such as drowsiness and lethargy, which may last for a day or two.
When Should You Wake Your Baby Up for Feeding?
Newborns who regularly sleep for longer than three to four hours should be awakened to be fed. Breastfed babies need to be woken up every two to three hours, whereas bottle-fed babies can sleep comfortably for three to four hours. Ensure the baby is fed at regular intervals until they have gained enough weight, usually a few weeks post-birth. After this, they can sleep for longer intervals at night.
What Should You Do If Your Baby Sleeps Too Much?
If you think your newborn is sleeping for unusually long hours, rule out any medical conditions by noting whether they feed eight to 12 times and have at least six wet and three dirty diapers a day. Additionally, observe breathing difficulties, low weight, fussiness when awake, pale skin, and vomiting after feeding. In such cases, consult your pediatrician.
However, if your baby only appears lethargic, they may be underfed or not sleeping well. The following tips may help resolve this:
- Feed them every 1 to 2 hours when they are awake and show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking their hands.
- Ensure that your baby is getting enough milk by checking if they are gaining weight as expected.
- Create a routine sleep schedule, and establish a soothing bedtime routine, such as a warm bath or a lullaby, to signal to the baby that it is time to sleep.
- Expose your baby to natural daylight and playtime during the day to help establish a regular sleep-wake cycle.
- Ensure that the baby’s sleep environment is safe, quiet, and comfortable.
- Avoid overstimulating the baby before bedtime, such as playing with toys or watching television.
- Consider swaddling your baby to help them feel secure and comfortable while sleeping.
In conclusion, while it is natural for babies to sleep a lot, excessive sleeping may be a sign of underlying medical issues or insufficient milk intake. It is essential to observe the baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns and consult a pediatrician if necessary. Establishing a routine sleep schedule, ensuring the baby’s sleep environment is comfortable, and providing enough nutrition can help your baby develop healthy sleeping habits. Remember, every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sleeping patterns. With time and patience, you will find the best solution that works for you and your little one.
