Why Doesn’t My Newborn Sleep?

admin / Feb 05, 2025

As a baby sleep trainer, one of the most frequent questions I encounter from new parents is, “Why doesn’t my newborn sleep?” The truth is, there are multiple reasons why your little one might be struggling to snooze peacefully. Understanding these factors can help you create a more conducive sleep environment and ultimately get some much-needed rest for both you and your baby.

1. Newborns Have No Sense of Day and Night

Newborns don’t yet understand the concept of day and night. Their internal body clocks, or circadian rhythms, are still developing, which means they sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night. This is completely normal, and over time, their sleep patterns will become more regular.

2. Frequent Feeding

In the early weeks, your newborn has a tiny stomach and needs to feed frequently—every 2 to 3 hours. This means they will naturally wake up often to eat. As they grow, their feeding intervals will stretch, and so will their sleep periods.

3. Overstimulation

Newborns are easily overstimulated by their surroundings. Too much noise, bright lights, or vigorous activities close to bedtime can make it difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep. Creating a calm, quiet, and dimly lit environment before sleep can help reduce overstimulation.

4. Sleep Associations

Babies often develop associations with certain activities or objects that help them fall asleep, such as rocking, nursing, or using a pacifier. While these can be helpful initially, they can also lead to difficulties in self-soothing when the sleep association is not present. Gradually helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently can lead to more consistent sleep.

5. Discomfort

Newborns can be easily disrupted by discomfort, whether it’s from hunger, a wet diaper, gas, or teething. Ensuring that your baby is well-fed, dry, and comfortable before bedtime can minimize these disruptions.

6. Growth Spurts

During growth spurts, which occur frequently in the first few months, babies may have increased hunger and wake more often. These periods of rapid growth can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, but they usually pass within a few days.

7. Health Issues

Sometimes, health issues such as colic, reflux, or congestion can interfere with your baby’s sleep. If you suspect that an underlying health problem is affecting your baby’s sleep, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician for guidance and support.

While it can be challenging to navigate the sleepless nights with a newborn, understanding the reasons behind their sleep patterns can help you create a more restful environment. Remember, every baby is unique, and it may take some time to establish a consistent sleep routine. Patience, consistency, and a lot of love are key to helping your little one develop healthy sleep habits.