Five baby behaviors that point to lack of sleep
A baby’s sleep schedule can be like a balancing act that parents struggle to maintain. As babies grow, their sleep requirements change, so adaptation is the name of the game. Ironically, it’s an exhausting part of parenthood, where we’re constantly trying to calculate whether or not our little ones are getting enough rest.
Babies actually sleep too much at times, though a lack of sleep tends to be the more likely issue. There are several telltale baby behaviors that communicate tiredness, including obvious physical activity and complex biological reactions. Consistent clues from your baby should be taken into account if you’re concerned about a sleep imbalance.
The quantity of sleep a baby needs naturally varies based on general traits such as their age, mobility, and the speed and intensity of growth spurts. But if yours is showing signs of sleep deprivation, you may need to make some bigger changes to refine your baby’s sleep schedule.
Here are some common baby behaviors that suggest your little one might not be getting all the ZZZs they need and where to start to fix them.
1. They’re acting especially fussy or irritable
Babies who aren’t sleeping enough are extra prone to fussiness and irritability compared to those who sleep adequately. They’ll cry more frequently without calming as easily, and that extends to worsened outcomes when settling down for sleep. An overtired baby is typically fidgety or agitated in their crib as they fight sleep despite how desperately they need the rest.
Fussy or irritable behavior every now and then is nothing to worry about, but regularly difficult behavior like this often stems from sleep dysfunction. If you’re noticing other disturbances to their sleep such as shortened naps, excessive waking, or false starts, a lack of rest is probably the culprit for those tantrums.
2. They’ve gotten increasingly clingy
Your exhausted baby might be exhibiting uncharacteristic clinginess or reverting to past behaviors, including thumb-sucking and pacifier use. This sudden urge for additional comfort and attention is a habit of babies who aren’t as well-rested as they should be. Overtired babies who are a year old or younger experience heightened separation anxiety—hence the clinginess.
Depending on your little one’s age, this could manifest as whining when you leave a room or holding onto you when they’re being put down. They want to be cuddled and reassured more than usual, which happens because they’re tired and searching for support so that they can fall asleep safely and comfortably.
3. They’re exhibiting changes in appetite
Another one of the common baby behaviors that’s indicative of a lack of sleep is appetite changes, specifically a reduction in appetite. It’s possible that a normally voracious eater who won’t take their bottle or loses interest in food isn’t getting enough rest. It’s wise to consider how their feeding schedule interacts with their sleeping schedule, too.
Similarly, since babies’ appetites do naturally change alongside their sleep patterns, these two primary needs have the potential to disrupt each other in a kind of vicious cycle. If your baby’s appetite and sleep cycle aren’t aligned, you’ll likely be facing a disruption of both! Fortunately, because they’re related, adding an overnight feeding may solve both problems.
4. They seem hyperactive or overstimulated
Yes, even a tired baby can somehow be energetic and hyper while running on fumes thanks to an upset in their stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol). Though it’s counterintuitive, sleepy babies are often on high alert and seeking stimulation to stay awake. They become more active through vigorous motions or vocalizations in an effort to combat drowsiness.
Overstimulation also occurs as a result of exhaustion. An overstimulated baby (or toddler, for that matter) may fidget or squirm excessively, startle easily, arch their back, or squeeze their hands into fists as they grapple with the overwhelming surroundings. Finding a quiet, dim space for your baby to unwind and relax is crucial to their ability to sleep soundly.
5. They’re yawning, eye rubbing, ear pulling, etc.
Despite not being able to talk yet, babies do tell us when they need more sleep. If anything, your baby might tip you off to their tiredness through observable movements. Sleepy baby behaviors mirror our own tired signals: they’ll yawn, rub their eyes, frown, droop their eyelids, and even have red or watery eyes, all of which point to a lack of sleep.
Other signs aren’t always as distinguishable, but these instinctive bodily responses are pretty transparent. They could also look “out of it” or be unable to concentrate. Fatigued babies won’t hide it very well, so if you see them repeating such movements, it probably means that your little one isn’t getting enough rest overnight or throughout the day from napping.
Revamping your baby’s sleep routine
Whether you’re brand new to parenthood or juggling another child alongside your tired baby, the entire family may benefit from a revamped sleep routine. It’s essential to prioritize healthy sleep hygiene for your baby as well as yourself. Still, it can feel impossible to address chronically fitful baby sleep if you’re unfamiliar with the complex ins and outs of pediatric sleep requirements.
The good news? You don’t have to endure the balancing act alone! My Sweet Sleeper is here for you and your infant or toddler, as we specialize in pediatric sleep consultations that provide your family with a personalized plan to sleep better. Let’s turn those tricky baby behaviors that keep you up at night into manageable phases that give way to sweet dreams.
We’re certified experts in the field—we even train others to follow this same rewarding career path! Work with us today to discover just how good your family’s sleep can really be.
