Is My Newborn Sleeping Too Much?

UPDATED ON 17 JAN. 2022

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Most infants sleep more than they wake up, although their sleep may come in little pieces or on an inconsistent schedule.

Some parents may be concerned that their child sleeps too little or too much. Keeping a sleep journal is a good idea for anybody worried about a baby’s sleeping patterns. They can discover that the baby sleeps a lot less or a lot more than expected.

Here’s what to anticipate from your newborn’s sleeping habits.

What is the average length of sleep for a newborn?

According to experts, newborns should sleep for 16 to 20 hours per 24 hours. However, because their internal biological clock and circadian rhythm have not developed, an infant’s sleep hours are usually not consecutive.

The sleep schedule of a newborn becomes unpredictable because of this. They often sleep at various times of the day for varying durations, sometimes sleeping too much and sometimes sleeping insufficiently.  

Remember that all newborns are unique, and their sleep schedules may vary depending on their surroundings and genetic predisposition.

What causes infants to sleep too much?

A newborn who sleeps excessively is usually not caused for alarm unless the youngster exhibits additional symptoms. However, the following are some reasons a healthy infant may sleep too much:

• Getting vaccines is a must.
• Because of diseases, such as a respiratory infection that makes it difficult to breathe and get enough sleep.
• A growth spurt
• Having a minor condition, such as a cold

Because of their jaundice, some newborns may sleep excessively. In addition, the skin of jaundiced infants is yellowish, and the whites of their eyes are yellow. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of jaundice in infants:

• Getting irritated
• Loss of appetite
• Looks lethargic
• Sucking difficulty or inability to suck for lengthy periods

Diet may also be a factor in your baby’s excessive sleeping. If a baby isn’t getting enough nourishment, it will often sleep too much. Likewise, if an infant does not eat enough, they will lose too much weight, get dehydrated, and perhaps not thrive.

Unfortunately, some parents, particularly those who are nursing, have difficulty determining if their child is receiving enough to eat. If this is the case, speaking with a physician and a nursing consultant can assist you in verifying that your child is receiving enough nourishment.

What to do if your baby seems lethargic?

Even while your baby is awake, they may look tired, sluggish, or grumpy if they are lazy, overly sleepy, or lack energy. If you attempt to wake them up, they may not react well.

A sleepy infant may not look interested in eating or may seem too weary to eat. This might be a sign of sickness or a lack of milk transfer.

Lethargy in newborns may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Not adequately feeding
• Low blood sugar
• Heat exhaustion
• Too much cold
• Infections
• Fever

Babies might be tired of various causes, some of which are more significant than others. Call your doctor immediately away if your infant looks sleepier, fussy, or less aware than usual.

Related Post

Does your baby fall Asleep While Nursing?

While nursing, it is very common for a baby to fall asleep. You and your baby will both benefit from breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, your baby’s hormones are properly synchronised to ensure that they are content and at ease. 

As a result, moms have tried touching the side of their face to rouse up a newborn to feed. This may trigger rooting reflexes. Babies generally don’t like it when their toes are touched. The bottom of the baby’s feet may also be softly stroked if stroking the face doesn’t help, so moms can try this method.

Breastfeeding your infant will cause your baby to fall asleep while being fed. However, there may be no need to be concerned about this. It all depends on how much milk your baby consumes at a feeding before they go to sleep and other variables.

It’s more vital for your infant to grow and develop than sleep. However, the sucking strength of a sleepy infant will be reduced. This signifies that the baby isn’t receiving enough milk to fill its tummy, essential for good sleep.

Breastfeed your infant correctly and only for six months if you find yourself in this circumstance. Because of this, your youngster won’t have any issues.

Conclusion

Finding a routine for your child’s sleep will be difficult. However, your baby will ultimately establish a sleep regimen. So, don’t worry if your infant sleeps too much. After some time, you will tell what is typical and abnormal for your kid.

Consult our experts if you suspect your kid has a health condition causing abnormal sleep patterns or oversleeping.

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