Why Do Babies Fight Sleep – 6 Ways to Help Your Little One

Is your baby fighting sleep? Wondering why your bundle of joy goes from eyes half shut to wide awake the second you lay her down?

Whimsical photos of sleepy newborns are everywhere. So, why do babies fight sleep? It’s true that sleep needs are highest during the first year of life, but sending your little one off into dreamland isn’t always easy.

The good news is that you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many parents face for a variety of reasons. Keep reading for all the essential info, including some must-have tips and tricks to help your baby stop fighting sleep!

What Does Fighting Sleep Mean

Crying, arching his back, rubbing his eyes—all the signs were there. But as soon as he’s in his crib, his eyes pop open, and he goes from tired to wired in less than a millisecond. Sound familiar?

Reasons Why Baby Fights Sleep

It can be so frustrating when your tiny bundle of joy refuses what she so obviously needs—rest! There are a few main reasons why this happens:

Under-tiredness

Newborns need plenty of rest, so this is more common in older babies and toddlers. Over the first 12 months, sleep needs change dramatically. This could be one of the first signs that it’s time for a schedule change, like dropping a nap or extending the wake window (the time awake between rest).

Learn more: How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? Recommendations by Age

Over-tiredness

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the most common reasons for fighting zzz’s is being overtired. Newborns are usually only able to stay awake for around 45 minutes. Being overtired activates a stress response that releases hormones like cortisol, which makes it even harder for babies to settle.

Personality

Even from birth, tots already display signs of their personality, including chronotype. This genetic trait dictates the type of sleeper they’ll be. If you have an active baby on your hands, he’ll probably struggle with falling asleep if he hasn’t had enough playtime; likewise, a more sensitive babe may need some extra snuggles before bed.

Development

Oh, the dreaded baby sleep regressions. When babies are going through a major growth spurt or working on a developmental skill, they temporarily regress in sleep. For some reason, the brain can’t focus on both. The good news is that blissful rest usually returns once your little one has mastered rolling over, crawling, or whatever other milestones they’re learning.

Teething

Cutting teeth is serious—and oftentimes painful—work. Teething babies usually have a few rough nights, especially when the tooth is about to erupt. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to soothe sore gums and get your teething tot on track with sleeping again.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety usually starts once babies develop object permanence, which is the realization that you exist even when they can’t see you. This usually happens around nine months of age, but it can also set in as early as four to five months. You can ease worries by letting your baby see that when you leave, you come back.

Environmental

Do you ever struggle to fall asleep when it’s too noisy, bright, or hot? Your baby is the same. Check for things like room temperature, loose threads wrapped around tiny fingers and toes, or other factors that may be making it more difficult for your little one to snooze.

Illness

Tummy aches and runny noses happen to babies too, but the difference is they have no way to tell you about it other than to cry. Babies are obligate nose breathers, which means a stuffy nose can make it hard to breathe. Using saline, a bulb syringe, or extra humidification can all help to clear the airways so your little one can rest.