As a brand-new parent, there are a few things more exasperating than going through sleepless nights. When your baby isn’t getting good sleep, it can literally tax you and leave you feeling frazzled and exhausted. Questions like “Why is my baby not sleeping?” or “Why is my baby not sleeping deeply?” often pop up during those long nights. Trying to wrap your head around why your newborn is behaving strangely and agitated can make life more anxious and frustrating at the same time. In this article, we’ll explore five typical causes of sleeplessness in infants and offer some guidance on how to make your baby sleep at night more easily and take care of your newborn.

1. Hunger and Growth Spurts:

One of the most common reasons for a 1-month-old baby not sleeping is hunger. Newborns have small stomachs, which means they need to eat frequently. During the periods of rapid growth, which often happen around two to three weeks, six weeks, and again at three months, little munchkins will start waking up to being hungry pretty often. And their bellies might not stay full for long, and this makes for having trouble sleeping all night through night. Signs of hunger include rooting, sucking motions, lip-smacking, and fussiness. If your baby wakes frequently and settles after a feeding, it’s likely they were hungry. Consider offering cluster feedings in the evening to help your baby stay full longer overnight.

2. Underdeveloped Sleep Cycles:

Newborns experience a different kind of sleep cycle compared to adults. They sleep shorter cycles and spend lots of time resting in the lighter stages. They do get startled easily by noise, movement, and even changes in their environment. If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my baby not sleeping deeply?”. The reason may simply be biological. It usually takes little ones time—the process takes around 12 to 16 weeks—to get better at developing a practical sleeping cycle. They start to organise their slumber much better, and this includes getting to deep sleep, which helps them to keep in a good mood when they wake up. During this time, it’s important to manage expectations and focus on creating a soothing sleep routine rather than expecting long stretches of rest.

3. Discomfort from the Environment:

Babies are highly sensitive to their surroundings. Different kinds of disruptions, from temperature and noise level to being damp, can wake babies up from a nice sleep. If your baby is not sleeping consistently, examine their sleep environment. Please make sure the room temperature is nice and cosy (normally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius). Use blackout curtains for nap time to keep the light low and easy on the eyes. They help create a safe and comfy space to rest and dream. A sound machine that mimics the womb’s ambient noise can also help your baby stay asleep. When you’re checking on something as tender as a baby or an infant, check for signs of physical discomfort too. Keep an eye out for problems like diaper rash, gas, pain, or constipation. Adjust clothes for things that are too tight. There are little things that make a big difference in whether your baby can fall asleep and keep sleeping soundly.

4. Medical Issues:

 In some cases, sleeplessness in infants may be linked to medical conditions. If your baby appears to be in distress or displays symptoms like excessive crying, arching the back, frequent spitting up, or signs of pain after feeding, consult your paediatrician. Common medical reasons a baby won’t sleep include reflux, food sensitivities, allergies, ear infections, or colic. While people generally do find ways to cope with these challenges, they often result in snuggling up, staring at the wall night after night, for both the baby and the parents. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you suspect something more than routine fussiness is at play.

5. Day-Night Confusion:

Newborns don’t come equipped with a sense of day and night. From the womb, they were used to sleeping when they did something active and when they lay still. This reversal can lead to what’s commonly called day-night confusion. Your bouncy baby seems to sleep contentedly during the daytime hours, but perks up just as quickly as the sun sets and night ushers in. To help that little one warm up and get used to things, try letting loads of natural daylight into the baby’s room during the day and keep it soft and subdued at night with low lighting. Avoid stimulating play before bedtime and make nighttime feeding as calming as possible. Over time, your baby starts to learn to tell the difference between day and night.

How to Make a Baby Sleep at Night:

Although it’s normal for newborns to wake frequently, several strategies can encourage better nighttime sleep:

 • Establish a bedtime routine: Setting up a steady bedtime sequence that includes things like a warm bath, some gentle rubbing, and a soothing lullaby with the lights softly dimmed, are cue for your baby to know it’s bedtime.

 • Keep nighttime calm: Try to be brief and matter-of-fact during nighttime feeds and diaper changes, let folks get some rest there. Use a soft voice and minimal lighting.

• Swaddle safely: Many babies sleep more soundly when swaddled, as it mimics the womb and prevents the startle reflex.

• Try dream feeding: Before tucking the baby in for a long sleep at night, it’s helpful to feed them a little. This can promote a nice big first sleep stretch.

• Create a sleep-friendly environment: Use white noise, blackout curtains, and comfortable sleepwear to enhance the baby’s comfort.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re constantly asking yourself, “Why is my baby not sleeping?” remember that you’re not alone. Many new parents struggle through this phase. Most of the sleep troubles that new babies have are temporary and related to normal development or growth, along with their zest for exploring a new world. While you may not be able to eliminate night wakings, understanding the common causes and taking small steps to improve sleep hygiene can make a noticeable difference. If sleepless nights persist or your baby shows signs of distress, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Footprints Playschool offers insights on why a newborn’s sleep can feel like a puzzle, but with time, observation, and patience, you’ll begin to notice patterns—and eventually, longer stretches of rest. For now, take care of yourself, lean on your support system, and know that better sleep is on the horizon.