A Complete Guide for New Parents
Have you ever wondered why your babies cry in their sleep? If you have, you are not alone. Many parents experience this phenomenon and worry about what it means and what they should do.
Crying in sleep is actually quite common among babies, especially in the first few months of life. It does not necessarily indicate that your baby is unhappy, uncomfortable, or in pain. In fact, most of the time, crying in sleep is normal and harmless, and it usually stops on its own or with minimal intervention.
However, sometimes crying in sleep can be a sign of a problem, such as an illness, hunger, or discomfort. In these cases, your baby may need your attention and care to soothe them and help them fall back asleep.
In this article, we will explore the three most common reasons why your babies cry in their sleep, how to tell if your baby is actually awake or asleep when crying, and some tips and strategies to help your baby sleep more peacefully and quietly.
By understanding why your baby cries in their sleep and what you can do to help them, you can reduce your stress and worry and improve your baby’s sleep quality and quantity.
Why Your Babies Cry in Their Sleep?
Babies cry in their sleep for various reasons, but most of the time, it is not a cause for concern. Crying in sleep is actually quite common among babies, especially in the first few months of life. It does not necessarily indicate that your baby is unhappy, uncomfortable, or in pain. Most of the time, crying in sleep is normal and harmless, and it usually stops on its own or with minimal intervention.
One of the main reasons why your babies cry in their sleep is because of their sleep cycle. Unlike adults, who have four to six sleep cycles per night, each lasting about 90 minutes, babies have shorter and more frequent sleep cycles, each lasting about 50 minutes. Babies also spend more time in active sleep than adults, which is the light, dream-filled stage of sleep that is also known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During active sleep, infants might cry, twitch, or exhibit various facial expressions, and they spend the majority of their sleep in this phase. Active sleep is important for babies’ brain development, learning, and memory. However, it is also a vulnerable stage of sleep, where babies are more easily disturbed by noises, lights, or movements. Sometimes, babies may cry out in their sleep as they transition from one sleep cycle to another, or as they enter or exit active sleep.
Another reason why your babies cry in their sleep is because of their immature nervous system. Babies are born with many innate reflexes that help them survive and adapt to their environment. One of these reflexes is the startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex. This reflex causes babies to fling their arms and legs out and then curl them back in, as if they are falling, when they hear a loud noise, feel a sudden movement, or sense a loss of support. This reflex can also make babies cry, especially if they are in active sleep.
The startle reflex is normal and healthy, and it usually disappears by the time babies are 4 to 6 months old. However, until then, it can disrupt their sleep and make them cry. Some parents find that swaddling their babies, which is wrapping them snugly in a blanket, can help reduce the startle reflex and make them feel more secure and calm.
What Are the Common Causes of Crying in Sleep?
Crying in sleep can have different causes depending on the age, health, and emotional state of the person. Some of the most common causes of crying in sleep are:
Crying while transitioning from one sleep cycle to the next
As we mentioned before, babies cry in their sleep because they are not used to transitioning from one sleep cycle to another, or from deep sleep to light sleep. This can happen several times during the night, and it can cause them to cry out briefly or for a few minutes. This type of crying is normal and harmless, and it usually stops on its own or with minimal intervention, such as a gentle pat or a soothing voice.
However, sometimes, adults can also experience this type of crying in their sleep, especially if they are under a lot of stress, have a fever, or suffer from sleep deprivation. These factors can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and make it harder to fall into deep sleep or stay asleep. As a result, the person may cry out in their sleep as they transition from one sleep stage to another, or as they wake up briefly during the night.
Crying due to overtiredness
Another common cause of crying in sleep is overtiredness. This can affect both babies and adults, and it can have various consequences for their sleep quality and quantity. Overtiredness occurs when the person does not get enough sleep or rest during the day, or when they have a disrupted sleep schedule. This can make them more irritable, cranky, and emotional, and it can also affect their ability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night.
When a person is overtired, their body produces more stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can keep them awake and alert. This can create a vicious cycle, where the person has trouble falling asleep, wakes up frequently during the night, and feels more tired and stressed the next day. This can also make them more prone to crying in their sleep, either due to frustration, sadness, or anxiety.
Crying due to teething pain
Teething pain is another common cause of crying in sleep, especially for babies and toddlers. Teething is the process of growing new teeth, and it can cause a lot of discomfort and pain for the child. Teething usually starts around 6 months of age, and it can last until the child is 3 years old. During this time, the child may experience symptoms such as:
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Drooling
- Biting or chewing on objects
- Irritability or fussiness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Ear rubbing
These symptoms can make the child more uncomfortable and restless, and they can also interfere with their sleep. The child may cry in their sleep due to the pain or inflammation in their gums, or due to the difficulty of falling asleep or staying asleep. The child may also wake up more often during the night and need more comfort and attention from their parents.
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Awake or Asleep When Crying?
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your baby is awake or asleep when crying, especially if they are in active sleep. However, knowing the difference can help you decide whether to intervene or not, and how to best soothe your baby.
Here are some signs that can help you distinguish between crying in sleep and crying when awake:
Opening eyes: If your baby opens their eyes, even partially, they are likely awake or in a very light stage of sleep. They may be looking for your attention or comfort, or they may be startled by something. You can try to calm them down by talking softly, singing, or cuddling them.
Moving head or body: If your baby moves their head or body, they are probably awake or in a light stage of sleep. They may be trying to get comfortable, or they may be restless or agitated. You can try to help them relax by rocking, swaying, or massaging them.
Responding to stimuli: If your baby responds to your voice, touch, or other stimuli, they are definitely awake or in a very light stage of sleep. They may be curious, playful, or needy. You can try to engage them with toys, books, or games, or you can try to feed them, change them, or put them to bed.
Escalating or changing the pitch or intensity of crying: If your baby’s crying gets louder, higher, or more intense, they are likely awake or in a light stage of sleep. They may be hungry, thirsty, cold, hot, wet, or in pain. You can try to address their needs by offering them food, water, a blanket, a fan, a diaper, or medication.
On the other hand, here are some signs that can indicate that your baby is asleep or in a deep stage of sleep when crying:
Closing eyes: If your baby keeps their eyes closed, even when you touch or talk to them, they are likely asleep or in a deep stage of sleep. They may be dreaming, or they may be crying out reflexively.
Relaxing muscles: If your baby relaxes their muscles, even when you touch or talk to them, they are probably asleep or in a deep stage of sleep. They may be in a peaceful or comfortable state, or they may be crying out reflexively.
Slowing or stopping breathing: If your baby slows or stops their breathing, even when you touch or talk to them, they are likely asleep or in a deep stage of sleep. They may be in a very deep or restful state, or they may be crying out reflexively.
Quieting or fading the crying: If your baby’s crying quiets or fades, even when you touch or talk to them, they are likely asleep or in a deep stage of sleep. They may be settling down or falling back asleep, or they may be crying out reflexively. You can try to ignore them or gently pat or shush them, but avoid picking them up or stimulating them too much.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep More Peacefully and Quietly?
If your baby cries in their sleep, it can be hard for you and your baby to get enough rest and sleep. However, there are some things you can do to help your baby sleep more peacefully and quietly, such as:
Follow a calming bedtime routine:
A bedtime routine can help your baby relax and prepare for sleep. It can also signal to your baby that it is time to sleep and create a positive association with their crib or bed. A bedtime routine can include activities such as giving your baby a bath, singing lullabies, reading a book, or telling a story. Make sure your baby’s sleep area is quiet and dark, and avoid playing with your baby right before bedtime. And keep your voice low and soothing to help limit how interested, also called stimulated, your baby is by your presence.
Create a comfortable and safe sleep environment:
Make sure your baby’s crib or bed is comfortable, clean, and cozy. Use a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet, and avoid using pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals, as they can pose a suffocation risk or increase the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You can also use a fan, an air conditioner, or a humidifier to keep the room at a comfortable temperature and humidity level. If your baby is teething, you can offer them a pacifier, a teether, or a toy to comfort them and ease their pain.
Follow age-appropriate sleep schedules and naps:
Babies have different sleep needs depending on their age and development. Generally, newborns need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, while infants need about 12 to 15 hours, and toddlers need about 11 to 14 hours. To help your baby get enough sleep, you can follow a regular sleep schedule and nap routine that suits their age and needs. You can also use a sleep chart or a sleep calculator to track your baby’s sleep patterns and adjust them accordingly.
Avoid overstimulation and stress before bed:
Overstimulation and stress can make your baby more alert and restless, and interfere with their sleep. To avoid this, you can limit your baby’s exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or exciting activities before bed. You can also help your baby cope with stress by providing them with love, support, and reassurance. If your baby is going through a difficult phase, such as separation anxiety, a growth spurt, or a developmental milestone, you can be patient and understanding, and try to maintain a consistent and predictable routine.
Use white noise, music, or soothing sounds to mask noises:
Sometimes, noises can disturb your baby’s sleep, especially if they are in active sleep. To prevent this, you can use a white noise machine, a music player, or a sound app to create a soothing and relaxing sound environment for your baby. White noise, music, or soothing sounds can help your baby fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up less often. They can also mask other noises, such as traffic, neighbors, or siblings, that might wake up your baby. You can choose from a variety of sounds, such as rain, ocean, heartbeat, lullabies, or classical music, depending on your baby’s preference and mood.
These are some of the tips and strategies that can help your baby sleep more peacefully and quietly. However, keep in mind that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. You may need to experiment with different methods and find out what suits your baby best. You can also consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s sleep.
Conclusion
Crying in sleep is a common and normal phenomenon among babies, and sometimes among adults. It does not necessarily mean that your baby is unhappy, uncomfortable, or in pain. In fact, most of the time, crying in sleep is harmless and stops on its own or with minimal intervention.
However, sometimes crying in sleep can be a sign of a problem, such as an illness, hunger, or discomfort. In these cases, your baby may need your attention and care to soothe them and help them fall back asleep.
In this article, we have explored the three most common reasons why your babies cry in their sleep, how to tell if your baby is awake or asleep when crying, and some tips and strategies to help your baby sleep more peacefully and quietly.
By understanding why your baby cries in their sleep and what you can do to help them, you can reduce your stress and worry and improve your baby’s sleep quality and quantity.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you did, please share it with other parents who might be struggling with the same issue. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
