Baby hyperventilating in sleep? Here is your guide of what is normal and when to seek help when your baby sobs in sleep.
Every little detail about your newborn is essential, and any unusual change in behavior can be a cause of concern. You might notice that newborns and infants sometimes cry, breathe heavily, and gasp in their periods of sleep. It can be worrisome for a new parent; however, it is not as scary as you might think it is and might not be hyperventilation. Let’s know more about baby hyperventilation in sleep.
Baby Hyperventilating In Sleep
1. Periodic Breathing
We are all aware that the organs and body functions in babies develop as they grow. One such scary, but normal development stage results in periodic breathing. Generally, periodic breathing occurs during a deep slumber; therefore, you might not see this during nap time.
The irregular sleep patterns occur as the lungs and airways in babies are still developing a normal functionality. In simple words, heavy breathing, gasps, and twitching are normal when your baby is fast asleep. However, not every baby will go through this phase. Also, there is no specific time limit for it to stop.
2. Crying in Sleep
Night terrors and nightmares are very much a part of a small baby’s life. Even as science doesn’t have concrete proof of what these nightmares might be about, but they do occur. Nightmares often happen during light naps; on the other hand, night terrors are common during deep sleep phases. Though rare, night terrors are believed to come when a baby is sleep-deprived or unwell.
How to Soothe the Baby
In the case of periodic breathing, there is no special attention required for the baby; once they get up, they won’t even remember it. However, in the case of nightmares and night terrors, you would want to soothe the crying baby.
If the crying is brief, the baby will soothe himself/herself, but if it continues, pick up the baby and gently rub his/her back. Also, talk softly and try rubbing the baby’s stomach. Another way to put a disturbed baby back to sleep is nursing. For breastfed babies, nursing is a soothing contact that helps them feel comfortable and safe.
When to See a Doctor
Even as parents easily handle the mentioned situations, you have to be sure your baby is not crying due to some other reason. Get in touch with a doctor if the sleep pattern seems to shift drastically, along with the heavy breathing and crying. In addition to this, if you feel your baby is not latching on properly for the feed, seek medical consultation.
Conclusion
It can be very challenging to create a smooth sleep pattern, especially in the initial months. Also, every baby is unique and will have his/her own set of needs to get a sound sleep. In most cases, babies crying accompanied by hiccups during their sleep or gasping are normal sleep habits.
