Sleep Regressions
One of the reasons of an inconsolable baby may be because he or she is overtired. When this occurs, their bodies produce a stress hormone called cortisol, which makes it difficult for them to fall and stay asleep, even if they are exhausted. At this point, it may appear impossible to put your baby to sleep. An increase in cortisol levels can cause unneeded wakings during the night as well as early morning wakings.
Sleep Environment: Day and Night – Try to make your baby’s sleep environment as dark as possible during the day by using blackout curtains and drain out any noise by using a white noise machine.
Stimulation During Day – Naps can be impacted if your baby has not have the time to wind down. Creating a short nap routine like you do for bedtime can help calm your baby down and cue the brain to slow down, triggering baby that it is time to sleep. As an example, you could put your baby in a sleep sack, close the blinds and turn on the white noise before laying your baby to sleep.
Overtired State and Surpassing Wake Time - Try to use age appropriate wake times. If baby is showing signs of sleepiness (rubbing eyes, yawning, etc.), it is a good idea to put baby down earlier for nap time before they become overtired.
“Moving” Sleep – Sleep that occurs in the car seat or stroller is not as restorative as sleep occurring in a crib or bassinet.
Sleep Regressions – Baby is learning a new skill and they want to practice it all the time. However, it can disrupt your baby’s sleep. Help your baby during a sleep regressions by encouraging them to practice the new skill throughout the day as much as you can.
Inability to self-soothe – Babies that are unable to self-soothe may have difficulty staying asleep for long periods, which can cause a cycle of short naps. If baby’s naps are too short, do not intervene immediately as baby will start to learn to transition into another sleep cycle. As babies learn to self- settle, they will start to sleep longer stretches and start to consolidate their sleep cycles.
