Why Do Babies Fight Sleep? Reasons and Remedies

People think that all a baby does is eat, sleep, poop, and repeat but that’s not it. Sometimes, a newborn fighting sleep can be a puzzling experience for parents. Your baby may even fight sleep even when he is sleepy or needs to sleep, leaving you wondering why. Clever, isn’t he that little boy of yours? Your baby may cry when he is hungry, he may make noise when he wants attention. You will understand all these actions but when your baby fights sleep even when he needs to sleep, you won’t be able to understand it easily. Understanding the cause of this behaviour can help you figure out how to deal with it.

What Does Fighting Sleep Mean?

If you are not aware of the signs of baby fighting sleep, it can get difficult to understand the actual meaning of fighting sleep itself. Try putting your child to sleep the way you do and there will be times when he expresses his irritation or frustration, maybe even crying out loud or pushing you away. This may even evolve into bending the back and rolling around, kicking and punching, and making a fuss in general (1).

Why Do Newborns Fight Sleep?

Many parents struggle to understand why babies fight sleep during the day or other times when it is actually for their own benefit. There are a number of factors that help a baby fall asleep by itself naturally, and some of them can disturb him if they are not appropriately present or absent.

1. An Absence of a Proper Routine

Having emerged from the safe womb into a world filled with lights and noises, babies can take some time and effort in falling asleep by themselves. The more things are predictable and repetitive, the more babies begin to feel safer and can relax. If the routine after childbirth is quite haphazard, your baby might get confused in knowing when is the time for feeding and when to fall asleep, leading to the feelings of insecurity.

2. An Absence of the Right Atmosphere

The only reference point of a world that babies have is the experience within the womb. The uterus would not only provide a safe haven that was always comfortable, but it also is a place where a baby would be listening to internal body sounds. Once your baby comes outside, make sure that his room has the right temperature; there should be no noise in his room, as well. Some babies even prefer listening to the hum of a fan or a light buzz that helps them fall asleep easily (2).

3. Being a Light Sleeper

While we might be able to get into deep sleep rather easily, babies usually have a tough time with that (3). Most sleep cycles of infants last approximately an hour and nearly a third of that time in the initial phase are in the process of reaching a deep sleep stage. Children may find this irritating and fight the natural tendency to fall asleep.

4. Not Being Swaddled

Swaddling a baby has been recommended widely but many parents believe that babies don’t actually like it because they struggle when you wrap them up. While the struggle is true, the reason behind it is usually the process. Once they are swaddled up, it makes them feel like they are back in the womb. It also helps keep their startling reflexes in check, allowing them to sleep calmly (4). But if you don’t swaddle your baby, he might resist the urge to sleep.

5. Feeding Your Child Fully Prior to Sleeping

This does sound surprising because it goes quite contrary to popular beliefs. Nearly all parents have experienced their babies falling asleep while breastfeeding or bottle feeding, leading them to believe that it is the right approach to do so. However, a baby is usually tired during the bedtime and should not be fed much, as it might interrupt his normal sleep cycle. Give a small feed before you make him sleep and feed him properly when he wakes up.

6. Presence of a Lot of Stimulation Before Sleep Time

Babies are extremely curious about the new world they are in, and are constantly watching, listening and observing closely. They also need a lot of attention and hence they cry so that you interact with them. While this is good, an excess of it can overwhelm the child and leave him excited or disturbed, causing him to fight the instinct to fall asleep (5).

7. Being Overtly Exhausted or Too Tired

Some parents tend to look at overstimulation from a different perspective. They believe that tiring a baby out will make it easier for them to fall asleep. But babies are not adults and don’t understand the tact of falling asleep by themselves. Therefore, your little one might fall asleep only to wake up repeatedly throughout the sleep cycle.

8. Experiencing Discomfort or Hunger

Newborns have tiny stomachs, which means they need frequent feeding. If your baby is hungry or has gas, colic, or reflux, they might resist sleep due to discomfort. Ensuring your baby is well-fed, burped, and has a comfortable diaper can make it easier for them to settle down.

9. Experiencing Separation Anxiety

Even at a young age, babies seek the warmth and security of their parents. If your baby senses that you are not around, they may feel anxious and resist sleeping (6). Holding your baby close, using a gentle touch, or staying nearby can provide reassurance and help them sleep peacefully.

10. Irregular Sleep-Wake Cycles

Newborns do not yet have a fully developed circadian rhythm, which means they don’t differentiate between day and night (7). Infant fighting sleep at night may happen if their daytime naps are too long or their exposure to natural light is minimal. Gradually establishing a day-night routine can help regulate their sleep cycle.

Tips to Deal With a Baby Who Fights Sleep

Understanding the reasons for why your baby might be failing to fall asleep is one thing, knowing how to calm a baby fighting sleep requires a deft balance of care and affection, as well as discipline in the appropriate manner. Some simple tips can bring a major change (8).

1. Check for Separation Anxiety and Correct It the Right Way

As rare as it might be, babies tend to feel anxious if they don’t feel the presence of their mother or father around them, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. If that seems the case, you can talk to a paediatrician and understand how best to counter it without creating a habit of requiring your presence to fall asleep every time.

2. Allow Your Child to Be By Himself if Required

Some children require to be cooed and patted to sleep, on the other hand, there are also a few infants who prefer being alone or cuddle a toy when falling asleep. Consider yourself lucky since all you need to do is put down your child on the bed and let him fall asleep by his own volition. You can sit in a chair just to supervise him, making sure he falls asleep the right way.

3. Change His Sleeping and Feeding Schedules

Maybe the time you put your baby to sleep might be when he tends to be the most energetic and active. Conversely, that time may also be a bit too late, leaving the baby too exhausted to sleep well. Try making adjustments in the schedule by talking to your doctor and see what works the best for the little one.

4. Create a Sleeping Ritual

There is a strong reason why bedtime storytelling or lullabies have existed since time immemorial. Apart from calming down the baby and making him feel comfortable, it also subconsciously signals the baby that playing time is over and it is time to sleep. Repeating it regularly can make it easier for the baby to switch moods and be aware of the routine.

5. Let Your Baby Sleep Earlier or Later at Night

If your baby is fighting sleep, it is important to recognize whether it is due to being too tired or overstimulation. In case your baby gets tired sooner, then it is best to shift the sleeping routine an hour or two earlier than usual, allowing him to sleep before he tires himself out. However, if your baby is still energetic and active, you could shift the sleeping routine later in the night, making it easier to fall asleep without effort.

6. Use White Noise or Gentle Sounds

Newborns are used to the constant background sounds of the womb, so complete silence might feel unsettling. Using white noise, soft lullabies, or nature sounds can create a soothing atmosphere and help your baby drift off to sleep more easily.

7. Ensure a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Check that your baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Dress them in breathable, soft fabrics and ensure their crib or bassinet has a firm, safe mattress. A cozy sleep environment can make a big difference in helping them settle down.

8. Offer a Gentle Massage

A light, relaxing massage before bedtime can help calm your baby’s nervous system and signal that it’s time to sleep. Using gentle strokes on their back, arms, and legs with baby-safe lotion or oil can be a comforting part of their nighttime routine.

9. Minimize Stimulation Before Bedtime

Bright lights, loud noises, and active play too close to bedtime can make it harder for your baby to wind down. Create a calm, dimly lit environment about 30 minutes before bedtime to help them transition smoothly into sleep.

10. Try Swaddling for Added Security

If your baby frequently startles themselves awake or seems restless, swaddling can help by mimicking the snug feeling of the womb. A well-swaddled baby may feel more secure and less likely to wake up due to sudden movements.

11. Be Patient and Stay Consistent

Some babies take longer to adjust to a sleep routine than others. If your baby continues to fight sleep, stay patient and stick to your bedtime routine. Over time, they will learn to associate these cues with sleep and settle down more easily.

FAQs

1. Can teething cause a baby to fight sleep?

Yes, teething can make babies more fussy and restless, leading them to resist sleep. The discomfort from sore gums can make it harder for them to settle down. Offering a chilled teething toy or gently massaging their gums before bedtime may help soothe them.

2. Can growth spurts affect my baby’s sleep patterns?

Yes, during growth spurts, babies often experience increased hunger and restlessness, making it harder for them to settle. They may wake up more frequently at night or take shorter naps. Ensuring they get enough feeds and comfort during these periods can help them sleep better.

Figuring out when do babies stop fighting sleep may not be answerable with a specific time duration. However, many babies tend to accept the daily routines, the earlier they are exposed to them. By being aware of your baby’s needs and establishing a fixed schedule based on it, things will be easier for you as well as the little one.

References/Resources:

1. ResearchGate – Fighting Sleep at Night: Brain Correlates and Vulnerability to Sleep Loss

2. Science Direct – A qualitative study of the sleep ecology of infants under 2 years old and their mothers in South Korea

3. Sleep Foundation – Light Sleeper: What It Means and What To Do About It

4. American Academy of Pediatrics – Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby?

5. Texas Health Resources – Signs Your Baby Is Overstimulated

6. NHS – Separation anxiety

7. National Library of Medicine – A Review of the Effects of Sleep During the First Year of Life on Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Temperament Development

8. Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Sleep in Infants (2-12 Months)

Also Read: 

Sleep Regression in Babies
How to Make a Baby Sleep at Night?
Overtired Baby: Signs, Causes, and Tips to Calm
How to Get Your Baby to Nap – Daytime Sleep Tips
Signs That Your Baby Is Not Getting Enough Sleep