Along with the joy and wonder of bringing a newborn baby home, comes a whole new set of concerns and questions – one of the most common concerns is "Is my baby sleeping too much?"
It's a valid worry, as newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping. But how much sleep is too much? And when it’s a cause of concern? In this blog post, we'll explore what's considered normal for a newborn's sleep patterns, signs that something might be amiss, and what you can do to ensure your little one is getting the rest they need.
Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborn babies have very different sleep patterns compared to older infants and adults. They spend a significant portion of their day sleeping – anywhere from 14 to 17 hours. This excessive sleep is crucial for their rapid growth and development. During these first few months, a baby's brain produces an abundance of brain cells and neural connections, all fuelled by the restorative power of sleep.
However, newborn sleep doesn't occur in long, continuous stretches like it does for adults. Instead, it's fragmented into shorter periods of deep sleep and light sleep, with frequent awakenings throughout the day and night.
This erratic sleep pattern is largely due to their small stomach capacity, which requires frequent feedings, as well as their immature circadian rhythms – the internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
What is Considered "Too Much" Sleep?
- If your newborn is sleeping so deeply that it's difficult to rouse them for feedings.
- Babies who sleep through too many feedings may not be getting enough calories and nutrients to support their growth and development.
- A baby who appears overly sleepy, even when awake, and has difficulty staying alert during feedings or playtime may be sleeping too much.
Tips for Promoting Healthy Sleep Patterns
Ayurveda offers valuable insights into newborn sleep patterns and how to support optimal health and development. According to Ayurvedic principles, a newborn's sleep is closely tied to their dominant dosha (mind-body constitution) and the balance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
These are some steps you can take to balance their doshas and promoting better sleep:
- Create a comfortable and consistent bedtime routine.
- Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet during sleep times.
- Don't let your baby become overtired or overstimulated, as this can make it harder for them to fall asleep.
- During awake periods, engage your baby with gentle stimulation, such as talking, singing, or reading aloud.
- Swaddling can help mimic the comforting, secure feeling of the womb and promote better sleep for some newborns.
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact your doctor if your baby shows any of the following signs:
- If your baby is persistently sleeping more than 19 hours per day
- If your baby seems excessively lethargic or difficult to wake for feedings
- If your baby shows other concerning symptoms, such as poor feeding, breathing difficulties, or abnormal movements
Conclusion
Newborn babies require an abundance of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. While it's perfectly normal for them to sleep up to 17 hours per day, excessive sleep can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you ever have concerns regarding their sleep patterns, don't hesitate to consult with your paediatrician for professional guidance and support.
Shop for the Best Baby Care ProductsFAQs
1. How many hours of sleep is normal for a newborn?
Ans. Newborns typically sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours per day. This excessive sleep is crucial for their rapid growth and development.
2. Is it normal for newborns to have erratic sleep patterns?
Ans. Yes, it's completely normal for newborns to have fragmented sleep patterns with frequent awakenings throughout the day and night due to their small stomach capacity requiring frequent feedings and their immature circadian rhythms.
3. What are signs that a newborn may be sleeping too much?
Ans. Signs that a newborn may be sleeping too much include difficulty rousing them for feedings, appearing overly sleepy even when awake, and having trouble staying alert during feedings or playtime.
4. How can creating a bedtime routine help with newborn sleep?
Ans. Creating a comfortable and consistent bedtime routine can help promote healthy sleep patterns in newborns by regulating their circadian rhythms and providing a sense of security.
5. What role does swaddling play in newborn sleep?
Ans. Swaddling can help mimic the comforting, secure feeling of the womb and promote better sleep for some newborns.
6. When should I seek professional help regarding my newborn's sleep?
Ans. Contact your doctor if your baby is persistently sleeping more than 19 hours per day, seems excessively lethargic or difficult to wake for feedings, or shows other concerning symptoms like poor feeding, breathing difficulties, or abnormal movements.
