Can illness affect my baby's sleep patterns?
When you as an adult are ill, it’s likely that you don’t sleep as well as when you’re in full health, so it follows that a baby who is feeling somewhat under the weather will also be slightly unsettled during the night.
How your baby’s sleep patterns are affected depends on his symptoms. If your baby has a tummy bug, he may wake several times during the night because he’s feeling sick or has stomach cramps. If he is feverish and running a high temperature, he may feel more sluggish and exhausted than usual, wanting to do nothing but sleep!
Rest is often the best medicine if your child is feeling under the weather as he may not have the energy to do much else; but, of course, if you have any concerns about your child’s health, it is always best to consult your doctor.
If you’re concerned that he may be sick during the night, it's advisable to have him in with you so that you can monitor him throughout the night and therefore put your mind at ease. Put a bucket by the side of the bed with a towel underneath and keep a mug of water nearby for your child to sip on during the night.
Don’t worry too much if your child's sleep patterns are affected during the night, as these disruptions will be temporary and your child should return to his normal sleeping habits once he’s back to full strength.
Of course, normal rules do not apply when your baby is ill and you mustn’t leave him to cry as you might were he not sick, but be cautious that your child doesn’t use this as a bargaining tool, playing the ‘Mummy my tummy hurts I need a cuddle!’ card when he’s fit and healthy again. Once you are reassured that he is better, it’s advisable that you adopt the same firm tactics as recommended in Dealing with a wakeful baby and do not rush to him every time he cries, but try to encourage him to settle himself back to sleep.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Published August 2008
Related Articles
Last Modified: 09/07/2008
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register