Newborn Not Settling? Important Signs Of An Overtired Newborn

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an exciting and life-changing experience for any family. However, the first few weeks can also be a time of exhaustion and adjustment for both the baby and the parents. One of the most common challenges faced by new parents is determining whether their baby is getting enough sleep. An overtired newborn can be difficult to manage, but knowing how to spot early sleep cues and guide your newborns to sleep can help tremendously.  As a novice mom of a newborn 1.5 years ago, I never knew “overtired” is even a thing! I thought babies just close their eyes and sleep if they are tired. Being educated about baby sleep when I was pregnant was one thing I regret not doing before my son arrived. We didn’t know our newborn son was in an overtired cycle and just accepted that maybe he was just a fussy baby, or had colic (whatever that means). Once I understood newborns’ early sleepy cues and how to spot signs of an overtired newborn, I was able to help my son to sleep so much better and at the right time for his developmental age. I am no baby sleep expert but I’m a mom who has dealt with a “poor” sleeper in the early months and once I understood baby sleep better, it was (literally) life-changing. My son went from a newborn who was overtired and fussed all day to a napper on a consistent schedule and an independent sleeper who has slept through the night since 4.5 months old. Keep reading as I will discuss the signs of an overtired newborn and provide tips for soothing an overly sleepy baby to help your little one get the rest they need to thrive.

What Does Being “Overtired” Mean?

Being “overtired” refers to a state of extreme fatigue or exhaustion that occurs when a baby has not had enough sleep. In newborns, overtiredness can occur when they are kept awake for too long, fighting their sleep, or due to an inconsistent sleep schedule. When a newborn becomes overtired, they may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, become irritable or fussy, and have difficulty feeding or gaining weight. Overtiredness in newborns can be a challenging issue for parents, as it can impact the baby’s overall health and wellbeing, as well as the parents’ ability to care for their child effectively. Therefore, it’s important for parents to be aware of the signs of overtiredness in their newborn and take steps to promote healthy sleep habits.

Why Do Babies Become Overtired?

Babies get overtired more easily than adults due to differences in their sleep needs and biological development. Newborns and infants need a lot of sleep to support their growth and development, and their sleep needs can vary from 14-17 hours a day. In contrast, adults require an average of 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Because of these differences, babies become overtired more quickly than adults when they don’t get enough sleep. Moreover, newborns and infants have an immature nervous system and may not yet have fully developed sleep-wake cycles. As a result, they may have difficulty regulating their sleep and wake times, leading to irregular sleep patterns and more frequent overtiredness. Adults also have a better ability to cope with stress and manage their emotions, making it easier for them to relax and fall asleep. In contrast, babies may become easily overstimulated or overwhelmed by their environment, leading to overtiredness and difficulty sleeping. When overtired, babies may find it difficult to calm down and go to sleep due to the effects of stress hormones like cortisol on their body. Their body becomes stressed, and the release of cortisol can make it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep. This stress response can also cause their body to become more alert, making it harder for them to settle down and drift off to sleep. The longer the baby remains awake, the more difficult it becomes for them to settle down and fall asleep. This can result in a cycle of overtiredness, where the baby’s sleep schedule becomes irregular, and they struggle to get the rest they need to thrive. To help break this cycle, parents can establish a consistent sleep routine and look out for signs of overtiredness.

What Are The Signs Of An Overtired Baby

It is important to notice early sleepy cues in babies to avoid overtiredness because overtiredness can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting the amount of sleep necessary for healthy development. When parents notice early sleepy cues, they can help their baby to settle down for a nap or bedtime before they become overtired. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and responding promptly to early sleepy cues can help babies to get the amount of sleep they need to thrive, including promoting healthy physical and cognitive development. Read below for early sleepy signs vs. overtired signs to know when to step in and help your newborn get the sleep they need at the right time:

Early Sleepy Cues:

Babies may exhibit a variety of early sleepy cues that indicate they are getting tired and need to rest. Some common early sleepy cues that parents can look out for include:

• Yawning: Just like adults, babies may yawn frequently when they are getting sleepy.
• Rubbing eyes and ears: Tired babies may rub their eyes or ears, indicating that they need rest.
• Decreased activity: A tired baby may become less active and may move or play less than usual.
• Quieter or calmer: A baby who is getting sleepy may become quieter or calmer than usual.
• Slower movements: A tired baby may move more slowly or have a more relaxed body posture.
• Clinginess: A baby who is getting tired may become clingy and want to be held and comforted.
• Sucking: Babies may suck their fingers, pacifier, or other object when they are tired.
• Red or puffy eyes: A tired baby’s eyes may appear red or have puffy eyelids.
• Zoning out: A baby who is getting tired may seem to zone out or stare into space.

It’s important for parents to pay attention to their baby’s individual cues and establish a consistent sleep routine that works for their baby’s needs. By responding promptly to early sleepy cues, parents can help their baby to settle down for a nap or bedtime before they become overtired. Below are the signs of an overtired newborn and once you notice them, it’d be wise to immediately help your newborn baby to sleep. 

Signs Of An Overtired Newborn Or Baby:

The signs of overtiredness in babies can vary, but some common signs include:

1. Fussiness or irritability: This is the most common sign – overtired babies may become fussy or irritable, crying more than usual and seeming difficult to soothe.
2. Fighting sleep: Overtired babies may have difficulty falling asleep, even if they appear tired.
3. Increased activity: Overtired babies may appear hyperactive or fidgety, even though they are tired.
4. Clinginess: Overtired babies may become clingy and want to be held and comforted more than usual.
5. Jerky movements: Overtired babies may exhibit jerky movements or tremors.
6. Overstimulation: Overtired babies may become overstimulated more easily than usual, making it difficult for them to calm down.
7. Red eyes: Overtired babies may have red or bloodshot eyes.

It’s important for parents to watch for these signs of overtiredness and immediately assist their newborn babies to sleep to help establish a consistent sleep cycle for their baby to promote healthy sleep habits.

How To Get An Overtired Newborn To Sleep?

Here are some tips and tricks that may help get an overtired newborn to sleep:

1. Swaddle

   Swaddling can help a baby feel secure and may help them to calm down and fall asleep.

2. Use white noise

   White noise can be soothing for babies and may help them to fall asleep. You can use a white noise machine or app, or even just the sound of a fan or vacuum cleaner. For my son, we found that the loud sound of our range hood did wonders!

3. Rock or bounce

   Gently rocking or bouncing a baby may help to soothe them and promote sleepiness. Bouncing our son at the side of our bed was our go-to trick during his overtired episodes.

4. Contact napping

   The go-to method for many generations to get their babies to sleep is to simply carry them to sleep instead of placing them on a sleeping surface (bed, crib etc.). Babies held close to a caregiver’s body can feel more calm and reassured, which can help them to relax and fall asleep more willingly

5. Use a pacifier

   If your baby takes a pacifier, offering it may help to calm them down and promote sleepiness.

6. Try skin-to-skin contact

   Skin-to-skin contact can help to regulate a baby’s breathing and heart rate, which may help them to relax and fall asleep.

7. Establish a consistent sleep routine

   Having a consistent sleep routine, such as a bath, story, and lullaby before bed, can help to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.

8. Dim the lights

   Dimming the lights in the room can help to create a calm and relaxing environment that may help your baby to fall asleep.

9. Change the environment

   Sometimes a baby might be tired of the environment you’ve been trying to soothe them to sleep in. Try changing the environment like a different room that is darker or cooler to see if they will calm down better. The change of environment might help them reset their mood and fall asleep. 

10. Be patient and remain calm

    Sometimes babies just need time to settle down and fall asleep. It is important to remain calm when soothing an overtired baby because babies can pick up on the emotions and energy of those around them. If a parent or caregiver is feeling stressed, anxious, or frustrated, it can be difficult for the baby to relax and fall asleep. Appearing visibly upset or frustrated can further stimulate an overtired baby and make it even more difficult for them to settle down.

Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. My advice for new parents is to not be afraid to try new methods to see what works for your baby. Babies also change often so one day one method might work, but the following week, they might prefer a new method! 

How Quickly Can A Baby Get Overtired?

Newborn babies can go from tired to overtired quite quickly, often in as little as 30 mins if they are not getting enough restorative sleep. Newborns typically have shorter wake windows than older infants, meaning they can only stay awake for short periods before needing to sleep again. It’s important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention to their newborn’s sleepy cues, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, and fussiness, and to establish a consistent sleep routine to prevent overtiredness. By noticing when their newborn is getting sleepy and encouraging them to rest before they become overtired, parents can help to establish healthy sleep patterns that can benefit their baby’s development and overall well-being.

Will An Overtired Newborn Eventually Sleep?

While an overtired newborn will eventually sleep, it can be more difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Overtiredness can cause the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can make it harder for a baby to settle down and fall asleep. This can lead to shorter sleep periods and frequent waking during the night. Additionally, an overtired newborn may be more fussy and difficult to soothe, which can make it even harder for them to fall asleep. This can create a cycle of overstimulation and wakefulness that can be challenging for parents to break.

What Happens If An Overtired Baby Doesn’t Sleep?

If an overtired baby doesn’t sleep, it can lead to further overstimulation and exhaustion, and cause a cycle of overtiredness that takes more time to restore and correct. It’s important for parents and caregivers to establish a consistent sleep routine, watch for the baby’s sleepy cues, and create a calm and soothing sleep environment to help promote healthy sleep habits and prevent overtiredness. 

How To Prevent A Baby From Becoming Overtired 

Preventing a baby from becoming overtired can be achieved by establishing good sleep habits and creating a calming and soothing sleep environment. Here are some tips to help prevent a baby from becoming overtired:

1. Establish a consistent sleep routine: Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help regulate a baby’s natural sleep-wake cycle and prevent them from becoming overtired. A consistent bedtime routine can include activities like a bath, reading a story, or singing a lullaby.
2. Watch for sleepy cues: It’s important to watch for a baby’s sleepy cues, which can include rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Responding to these cues by helping the baby transition to sleep can prevent overtiredness.
3. Create a calming sleep environment: Creating a calming sleep environment can help a baby feel relaxed and comfortable. This can include using blackout curtains to make the room dark, using white noise to drown out distractions, and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
4. Avoid overstimulation: Overstimulation can lead to overtiredness, so it’s important to avoid activities that can overstimulate a baby, especially close to bedtime. This can include limiting screen time and avoiding overly stimulating toys.
5. Ensure the baby is well-fed: Ensuring the baby is well-fed and not hungry before bedtime can help prevent overtiredness. A full tummy can help the baby feel more relaxed and comfortable, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

By following these tips, parents and caregivers can help prevent overtiredness in babies and promote healthy sleep habits. If a baby continues to experience sleep issues, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider for guidance and support.

What Does A Newborn Sleep Schedule Look Like?

A newborn’s sleep schedule can vary but their wake windows would be very similar for same-aged babies. Wake windows refer to the amount of time a newborn baby can stay awake before they become tired and need to sleep again. Newborn babies have very short wake windows as they tire quickly and need frequent naps throughout the day and night to get enough rest. Here are some general guidelines for wake windows in newborns:

• 0 to 7 weeks old: newborns at this age typically have very short wake windows, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, and need to sleep for most of the day and night.
• 2 months: as newborns start to develop, their wake windows gradually increase to about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. They still need frequent naps throughout the day to avoid becoming overtired.
• 3 months: by this age, wake windows may extend to around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, and taking about 4 naps 

It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may have slightly different wake windows. It’s important to watch for your baby’s individual sleep cues, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy, and adjust their nap times and schedules accordingly to prevent them from becoming overtired.

How Much Sleep Does A Newborn Need A Day?

Newborns need a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. Here are some general guidelines for how much sleep newborns need each day:

• 0 to 4 weeks old: newborns typically need 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, although some may sleep up to 20 hours per day.
• 4 to 8 weeks old: as newborns start to develop, they may sleep slightly less, around 14 to 16 hours per day.
• 8 to 12 weeks old: by this age, newborns may sleep around 12 to 16 hours per day.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may have slightly different sleep needs. Some newborns may sleep more or less than the general guidelines, and that’s okay as long as they are healthy and thriving.

Why Is My 2 Week Old Fighting Sleep?

There can be many reasons why a 2-week-old baby may be fighting sleep. Here are a few possible reasons:

1. Overstimulation: Newborns can become overstimulated easily, especially if they are in a bright or noisy environment. This can make it difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep.
2. Hunger: Babies grow quickly during their first few weeks of life and may need to eat frequently, even during the night. If your baby is hungry, they may struggle to fall asleep or wake up frequently during the night.
3. Discomfort: Your baby may be uncomfortable due to a wet diaper, being too hot or too cold, or other discomforts. This can make it hard for them to get comfortable and fall asleep.
4. Colic or reflux: Some babies may experience colic or reflux, which can make it hard for them to settle down and sleep comfortably.
5. Overtiredness: Paradoxically, a baby who has been awake for too long may become overtired and find it difficult to settle down and sleep. This can cause them to become fussy and fight sleep.

Final Thoughts On Watching For Signs Of An Overtired Newborn

Recognizing the signs of an overtired newborn is crucial in helping them get the sleep they need for their growth and development. Overtiredness can impact a baby’s physical and emotional well-being, and can cause difficulties in settling and sleeping. By being aware of the early sleepy cues and creating a consistent sleep routine, parents can prevent overtiredness from occurring. In case an overtired episode does happen, parents can use various techniques to soothe and calm their baby, but it’s important to remain calm and patient. Ultimately, with proper sleep and rest, both parents and babies can enjoy a happier and healthier life. Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This won’t cost you anything but will help tremendously to support my content. Thank you!

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/overtired https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/how-to-recognize-an-overtired-baby#s-igns