Do babies sleep more when sick? It’s not uncommon for babies to fall ill. If you have an infant or toddler in daycare, it may feel never-ending, especially in those winter months. The days and night may be overwhelming and stressful. As a parent or caregiver, it can be the most helpless feeling. When you have a baby with a fever or a more serious illness, it can also be terrifying. We have an internal instinct to fix and make everything better for our children, but when they are sick, it feels like we can’t do much to help them.
When babies are sick, they can feel uncomfortable, lethargic, and irritable, and this often leads to changes in their daytime and night sleep patterns. How much sleep is normal? Do babies sleep more when they are sick?
Do Babies Sleep More When Sick?
Long story short, yes. Babies will sleep more when they are sick. Some kids actually sleep less due to discomfort. Typically, we want our children to get the extra sleep because it helps the body recover. When babies are sick, their immune system is working overtime to fight off the infection or illness. Sleep plays a vital role in supporting this process. Sleep allows the body to heal, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate the immune response, so it’s completely natural for your baby to need more rest when they’re under the weather.
Extra sleep also helps conserve energy. This can be particularly important when your baby isn’t feeling their best. It may feel unsettling as a parent to see your baby sleeping longer than usual. If they’re dealing with something like a fever, cold, or ear infection, know that this rest is part of their healing process. Just like adults, babies often need more sleep to regain strength when they’re sick.
You may have a child who struggles to sleep while they are sick. This is completely normal as well. When your child is sick, it is important to help them and support them in whatever way fits best for you and your family. If your child is an independent sleeper, you will not “ruin” their sleep foundation by offering support and holding them when they are sick.
It’s important, however, to be mindful of how your baby is sleeping. You should keep an eye on their sleep environment and their overall behavior to make sure they’re safe and comfortable while resting. If you’re unsure or concerned about how your baby is responding to illness, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician.
How Much Sleep Is Too Much For A Sick Baby?
Many babies and toddlers do tend to sleep more when they are sick. It is important to keep an eye on how much they are sleeping. If your baby is sleeping for an extended period and is hard to wake up, that is a red flag. Those symptoms could be a sign of something more serious going on. A baby’s sleep should be restful but not excessive to the point where they cannot be awakened or rouse themselves.
In general, the typical sleep needs for babies vary by age. During illness, they might sleep an additional hour or two compared to normal. However, if your baby is not waking up for feedings or seems excessively lethargic, it’s important to contact your pediatrician to ensure there isn’t a deeper issue. It’s always better to be cautious and seek medical attention if you’re concerned.
How to Help a Sick Baby Sleep
When your baby is sick, their sleep can be disrupted. Disrupted sleep can make it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are several steps you can take to help your child recover and support your child through the process:
1. Create a Comfortable and Safe Sleeping Space:
Ensuring your baby has a safe, comfortable sleeping environment to rest is still important, even when they are sick. The room should be quiet, cool, and dark. If your baby has a fever or is congested, make sure they have a cozy blanket or a sleep sack to stay warm. You can also try a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can ease congestion and help your baby breathe more easily.
2. Elevate Their Sleeping Position during Nap Time
If your baby is congested, a slightly elevated position can help them breathe better. If your child will still contact nap, it would be a good opportunity to ease their discomfort, offer more support, and help keep them elevated.
3. Use Saline Drops or a Nasal Aspirator
A congested baby may have trouble breathing while sleeping. This can disrupt their sleep. Saline drops are a great way to clear out your baby’s nasal passages gently. You can also use a nasal aspirator to remove mucus. Be sure to use it carefully, as too much suction can irritate their delicate nasal lining. After using saline drops or a nasal aspirator, your baby may be able to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep for longer periods.
4. Ensure Proper Nutrition and Hydration
When babies are sick, they can lose their appetite or have trouble drinking enough fluids. Keeping them hydrated is essential for their recovery. Breast milk or formula can be comforting and soothing, and it also provides necessary nutrients. If your baby is having trouble nursing or drinking from a bottle, try offering small amounts more frequently throughout the day and night.
5. Maintain a Calm, Soothing Bedtime Routine
Sick babies can feel more irritable, so it’s important to keep their bedtime routine calm and soothing. Dim the lights, play soft music, or use a white noise machine to create a peaceful environment. Avoid stimulating activities, as they may make it harder for your baby to sleep. You can also comfort your baby with gentle rocking, swaddling, or soft patting until they feel secure and ready to fall asleep.
6. Comfort and Cuddles
Sometimes, the best remedy for a sick baby is simply your presence. Offer plenty of comfort and cuddles. This additional comfort can help them feel secure. A calm, comforting parent can help your baby feel relaxed enough to fall asleep.
As you help your sick baby or child sleep, remember that the key to their recovery is not just sleep but also making sure they’re hydrated, nourished, and kept comfortable.
Final Thoughts
When your baby is sick, sleep is crucial for their recovery. It’s completely normal for babies to sleep more when they’re under the weather as their bodies work to fight off illness. Alternatively, it is also common to see babies sleep less, due to discomfort. Be mindful of how much sleep is too much, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you notice any worrying symptoms. By following the tips above and providing a comfortable, safe sleeping environment, you can help your baby get the rest they need to heal.
If you’re looking for additional resources on how to handle sleep during illness, check out our article on sleep training when baby is sick for more advice.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
Is your little one having difficulty self-soothing for naps? If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts and Michigan area. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:
“Molly is fantastic. She is super knowledgeable when it comes to your little ones sleep. She takes a gentle approach to sleep training and helps you get sleep that you as a parent most definitely need. Sleep training can be daunting and scary, especially if it’s your first time. Molly is there to help you feel confident and comfortable in your journey. I would absolutely recommend her!” – Mom of 4-month-old