Sick baby struggling to sleep? Here’s why (and what to do)

If it seems like your little one is sleeping much less when they’re sick, know that this is common and completely normal. If they wake up every time you attempt to leave their side, it’s for a good reason. “When sick, babies are generally looking for much more comfort and closeness with a parent as this can help them to soothe the pain and discomfort,” says Dr Hanneke Heyns, a Cape Town-based paediatrician. 

Dr Heyns says that there are many physiological factors that contribute to disruption of sleep when babies are ill. “Generally, the inflammatory agents and cytokines [proteins that help control inflammation] interfere with their sleep cycles, making sleep cycles shorter and lighter. Their physical discomfort – like blocked noses, coughs, fever, earaches and body aches – also interferes with their ability to sleep,” says Dr Heyns.

You can support their sleep by making them more comfortable and treating the illness with medications according to your doctor’s advice, but Dr Heyns says not to worry too much about whether this period of illness will affect your baby’s long-term sleep routine. She advises that parents focus on promoting good sleep, however that may look, so that their little one’s body can recover and get stronger. “I would rather ensure comfort and follow cues of the baby than stick to a strict sleep routine. You can always fix the sleep routine once baby is well again,” she says.

The importance of sleep when a baby is sick

With disrupted night-time sleep, your baby may be more tired than usual during the day. When your baby is unwell, it’s important to follow their cues on when they need sleep – they often sleep shorter stretches before waking, but they tend to do go down for naps more frequently. “During an illness it is more important for the parent to support and comfort their baby and not try to adhere to a fixed sleep schedule,” reiterates Dr Heyns.

How can parents encourage good sleep when their baby is sick?

Where possible, try to stick to the usual routine before bedtime, including things like bathtime, gentle massages and moisturising their skin, reading a bedtime story and playing white noise. These will bring comfort to your baby and can aid better sleep – but try not to become frustrated if they do not fall asleep as easily as they usually would, or at the time they usually would. 

“Sleep is healing. When a baby is sick, reduce their schedule to a minimum, ensure comfort and closeness, and follow the baby's cues as to when they are feeling up to playing and when they would rather settle in for a nap,” says Dr Heyns.

Dr Heyns shares these tips on helping babies feel more comfortable when they’re ill:

• Administer fever meds and/or prescribed meds as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Try to position baby for optimal sleep. This is often in a more upright position – but be sure to follow sleep safety guidelines.

 • Embrace contact naps and sleep – again, according to safe sleep practises for their age. Babies thrive on cuddles and closeness during this period. 

• Ensure a normal body temperature with appropriate dressing by layering lighter clothing. 

• If they have a fever, treat it immediately.

• Spray their noses frequently with a salt water nasal spray and suction to ensure open airways. 

• Offer fluids regularly to prevent dehydration. Ensure hydration over solid foods, if they are fussier than usual. 

With Clicks Virtual Doctor, you can consult with a qualified and registered doctor at home, or at a Clicks Clinic near you (and get your medication in one visit): book an appointment. 

IMAGE: 123rf.com