Many newborn babies have the habit of sleeping during the day but staying awake all night. This biological rhythm of the baby makes parents exhausted, even affecting the sleep of the whole family. So what to do to escape the situation of “baby sleeping during the day and working at night”? When in the mother’s womb, the baby has almost no concept of day and night. Therefore, the baby is prone to “day and night confusion” after birth. So what should the mother do to help the baby distinguish between night sleep and get a full night’s sleep?
Why do children sleep during the day and stay awake at night?
Newborns tend to sleep during the day and stay awake at night due to many reasons related to their development and adjustment of their biological rhythms. First, the baby’s biological rhythm is not yet complete, making the baby’s sleep cycle unstable and easily disrupted. Newborns also need to eat frequently, about every 2-3 hours, because their stomachs are small and cannot hold much food. This leads to the baby often having to wake up at night to feed, interrupting the night’s sleep.
Newborns also have very short wake times, only about 30 minutes to 2 hours before they feel tired and need to go back to sleep. This makes their sleep-wake cycle inconsistent with the circadian rhythm of adults. In addition, during the newborn period, the baby’s brain and nervous system are developing rapidly, and irregular sleep patterns may reflect this process as the baby tries to adapt to the outside environment.

Lack of exposure to natural light during the day also slows down the adjustment of a child’s circadian rhythm. Natural light helps the body determine the time of day and night, and a lack of this light can make it difficult for a child to differentiate. The family’s sleep environment and habits also have a big impact on a child’s sleep. If the environment is not quiet or dark at night, a child may have difficulty falling asleep and wake up more often.
To help children regulate their sleep, parents should create a regular bedtime routine, help children clearly distinguish between day and night, and limit their daytime sleep time. Maintaining a quiet sleeping environment and a dark space at night is also very important. This requires patience and time, and gradually children will learn to adapt and have more stable sleep.
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Sleeping too much during the day
Sleeping too much during the day is one of the main reasons why children stay up at night, and this can affect not only the health and development of the child but also the rest of the parents. Newborns and young children have a very high need for sleep, but sleep needs to be distributed reasonably between day and night. When children sleep too much during the day, their bodies have had enough rest, leading to children not feeling tired at night and having more difficulty falling asleep. And creating a vicious cycle of children sleeping a lot during the day, staying up late at night, and then making up for sleep the next day.

Too much daytime sleep also disrupts a child’s natural circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle of physiological activities in the body and it helps regulate sleep and wake times. When a child sleeps too much during the day, the child’s circadian rhythm is disrupted, making it impossible for the body to clearly determine when it is time to sleep and when it is time to wake. Not only does it affect nighttime sleep, but it also affects the child’s activities and learning during the day.
In addition, sleeping too much during the day can also reduce the quality of sleep at night. Children may wake up many times during the night, feel uncomfortable or cannot fall back asleep after waking. This disrupts deep sleep, an important stage for brain development and body recovery.
To avoid this situation, parents need to establish a regular sleep schedule for their children, ensuring that they get enough sleep at night and less sleep during the day. The child’s activities during the day should take place in a way that makes the child feel naturally tired so that when it is time to go to bed at night, the child can sleep better.
Not yet formed the habit of sleeping on time
Not forming the habit of sleeping on time is one of the main reasons leading to the situation of children staying up at night, causing significant impacts on the health and comprehensive development of children. In the early stages of life, infants and young children do not have the ability to regulate their own biological rhythms. Parents need to help their children create a regular sleeping habit. However, if parents do not create a specific sleeping schedule, children can easily fall into a state of sleep disorders, difficulty sleeping at night and irregular sleeping during the day.

Not having a consistent sleep schedule makes it difficult for children to recognize when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be awake. This leads to an imbalance in their circadian rhythm, making them feel uncomfortable and unable to get deep, uninterrupted sleep. Children may easily wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back to sleep or wake up too early in the morning, resulting in insufficient sleep duration and quality.
Without a clear sleep schedule, children may become dependent on being held, rocked to sleep, or using other methods to fall asleep, leading to multiple awakenings during the night without parental support.
To overcome this situation, it is extremely important to train your baby to have a regular sleeping habit. Parents should have a regular sleeping schedule, including activities to prepare for sleep such as bathing, reading stories or listening to soft music. Doing these activities regularly every day helps children recognize the time to prepare for sleep and fall asleep more easily. In addition, maintaining a quiet, dark and comfortable sleeping environment is also an important factor to help children have a good and deep sleep.
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Because the child is hungry
Newborns and infants often wake up at night to feed, especially when they feel hungry. A newborn’s stomach is very small and cannot hold much milk after each feeding. Therefore, babies need to be fed frequently, even at night. For newborns, waking up to feed is completely normal and necessary to meet the nutritional needs of the rapid development of the body and brain.
When a baby is hungry, he or she will express it by crying, squirming, and even sucking his or her hand or looking for the breast. This not only disrupts the baby’s sleep but also disturbs the parents’ sleep. For babies who are in a period of rapid growth or have a high need for food, it will lead to the baby waking up many times during the night to feed.
Not only does a child staying up all night because of hunger disrupt his or her sleep, it also affects his or her mood and development during the day. Children who do not get enough sleep are more likely to become irritable, irritable, and have difficulty concentrating on daily activities. For parents, having to wake up multiple times during the night to care for their child can also cause fatigue, stress, and lack of sleep.
Hot or cold room temperature makes baby uncomfortable

Inappropriate room temperature, either too hot or too cold, is one of the common reasons why children stay up at night and do not sleep well. Infants and young children have a poorer ability to regulate their body temperature than adults. Therefore, children are easily affected by the temperature of the surrounding environment. When the bedroom is too hot, children may feel stuffy and uncomfortable, leading to excessive sweating, difficulty breathing and waking up many times during the night. Conversely, when the bedroom is too cold, children may feel cold, uncomfortable and have difficulty maintaining deep sleep.
Uncomfortable room temperature not only disrupts sleep but also affects children’s health. When children do not get enough sleep or their sleep is interrupted, their bodies do not get enough rest and recovery, which can lead to a condition that affects their overall development. Furthermore, inappropriate room temperature can increase the risk of respiratory diseases and other health problems.
The baby’s sleeping place is not clean.
An unclean sleeping area is one of the main reasons why children stay up at night and do not sleep well. An unclean sleeping environment can cause many problems that not only affect sleep but also seriously affect the health of children. Factors such as dust, bacteria, insects and allergens can make children feel uncomfortable, itchy and cause respiratory problems, skin allergies or even infections.

When a child’s sleeping area is not clean, they are easily irritated by external factors such as dust and bacteria. This causes the child to move around frequently, feel uncomfortable and wake up many times during the night. Furthermore, an unclean sleeping environment can lead to the child inhaling allergens such as pet dander, pollen or mold, leading to symptoms such as coughing, runny nose or itchy eyes, further disrupting the child’s sleep.
An unclean sleeping area can also be a haven for insects such as mosquitoes, bedbugs or fleas, causing bites and itching on the baby’s skin, making it impossible for the baby to sleep well. Especially in the newborn stage, the baby’s skin is very sensitive and vulnerable. Therefore, insect bites are not only uncomfortable but also have the risk of causing skin infections.
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Do not change diapers for baby
Not changing your baby’s diaper regularly can cause your baby to wake up at night and not sleep well. When your baby’s diaper is wet or dirty, your baby will feel uncomfortable, wet and even have skin irritation. This makes your baby unable to sleep well and often wakes up, crying because of the feeling of discomfort.
Wet or dirty diapers can cause a number of problems for your baby. First, the moisture and heat from a dirty diaper can irritate the skin, leading to diaper rash, redness, and itching. This condition not only makes your baby uncomfortable, but also makes it difficult for him to fall asleep and stay asleep. When your baby wakes up crying because of a wet diaper, this also disrupts your sleep, leading to fatigue and stress for the whole family.
Additionally, if diapers are not changed regularly, your baby may develop skin infections or urinary tract infections due to bacteria growing in the moist environment of dirty diapers. These infections are not only uncomfortable and painful for your baby, but can also cause serious health problems if not treated promptly.
Children are prone to nervous excitement.
Young children, especially infants and children under three years of age, are prone to hyperactivity, which can lead to nighttime awakenings and difficulty falling asleep. Hyperactivity occurs when a child’s nervous system is overstimulated, causing the child’s brain to stay “alert” and making it difficult to fall into deep sleep. There are many causes of hyperactivity in children, including environmental stimulation, excessive activity during the day, or even changes in routine.
Environmental stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, or too much activity before bedtime can cause a child to become overstimulated. For example, if a child is exposed to excessive play or watching stimulating television programs before bedtime, the child’s nervous system will be overstimulated, making it difficult for him or her to fall asleep. Additionally, changes in routine such as a change in sleeping location, an irregular schedule, or stressful events can also increase neuroticism.
Baby in teething stage

Teething is one of the most common causes of nighttime waking in babies, disrupting their sleep. Teething usually begins around 6 months of age and can last until the child is 3 years old. During this period, the discomfort and soreness of the gums can make the baby uncomfortable, leading to frequent waking during the night. Teething causes changes in the baby’s mouth, including swollen, sore gums and sometimes a low-grade fever. These symptoms can make the baby uncomfortable, irritable and have difficulty falling asleep on his own.
Disrupted sleep due to teething not only affects the baby, but also makes parents tired and stressed because they have to wake up many times during the night to comfort and care for the baby. Prolonged sleep deprivation can negatively affect the overall development of the baby, reduce the ability to learn and affect the baby’s mood during the day.
See more: Understanding the “Immune Gap” to deal with your child’s minor illnesses
Solutions to help mothers overcome the situation of babies sleeping during the day and staying awake at night
The condition of babies sleeping during the day and staying awake at night is a common problem that worries many parents. To overcome this situation and help babies sleep more stably, parents can apply some of the following solutions.
Massage for babies to sleep easily

Baby massage is an effective method to help your baby fall asleep and sleep more deeply. This is not only a way to help your baby relax but also creates a bond between parent and baby, helping your baby feel more secure and safe before going to bed.
- Benefits of massage for babies: Massage helps stimulate nerves and blood circulation, soothes the nervous system and reduces stress for babies. As a result, babies will fall asleep more easily and sleep deeply, with less waking up in the middle of the night. In addition, massage also helps improve digestion, reduces symptoms of colic and bloating, helping babies feel comfortable and sleep better.
- Appropriate time and environment: The ideal time to massage your baby is before bedtime, when he has been fed and has had a clean diaper. The environment should be quiet, warm and softly lit. Use a massage oil specifically for babies, with a gentle scent and safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.
- How to perform the massage: Start by gently rubbing massage oil into your hands and then gently massaging your baby’s body parts. Starting at the feet, gently massage from the thighs down to the feet, then move up to the arms and massage from the shoulders down to the hands. Continue massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction to help improve digestion. Finally, gently massage your baby’s back and neck. During the massage, talk softly to your baby or sing a lullaby to create a sense of peace.
- Note when massaging: Always observe your baby’s reaction during the massage. If your baby seems uncomfortable or upset, stop and try again later. Avoid massaging your baby if he or she is sick or has any open wounds on his or her skin.
Use an automatic cradle to create rhythmic movements
Using a rocking chair to create rhythmic motion is an effective way to help your baby fall asleep. The gentle, steady motion of a rocking chair mimics the feeling of being in the womb or being rocked, providing a sense of security and relaxation for your baby. This not only helps your baby fall asleep more easily, but also helps to increase sleep time and reduce nighttime waking.

Z2 Automatic Crib – 2-tier design with 1 sleeping tier and 1 playing tier
Benefits of an automatic cradle: An automatic cradle with gentle vibration and rocking modes helps soothe the baby’s nervous system, creating favorable conditions for sleep. The rhythmic movement of the cradle acts as a natural lullaby, helping the baby feel secure and easily fall into a deep sleep. In addition, an automatic cradle also helps save time and effort for parents, especially when they are busy or need to rest.
Choosing the right automatic cradle: Parents need to pay attention to the safety and convenience features of the product. The cradle should be designed firmly, with a safety belt to ensure that the baby does not roll over or fall out. The cradle’s vibration and swing mode should be adjustable to suit the baby’s needs and preferences. In addition, some cradles also integrate lullaby sounds such as rain, ocean waves or soft music, helping to increase the effectiveness of lulling the baby to sleep.
Change your baby’s diaper before bedtime.

Changing your baby’s diaper before bed is a habit that helps your baby fall asleep easier and sleep better. A clean, dry diaper will help your baby feel comfortable and will not disrupt his sleep due to wetness or discomfort.
Benefits of changing diapers before bedtime: First of all, changing diapers helps your baby feel dry and comfortable, minimizing the risk of diaper rash – a common condition when your baby’s skin is exposed to moisture from a dirty diaper for a long time. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and easily irritated, keeping your baby’s skin dry is an effective way to prevent skin problems. Second, a clean diaper helps your baby not be awakened by the uncomfortable feeling of a wet diaper and maintain a more continuous and deeper sleep.
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Feed your baby on time and gradually stop feeding at night.
Feeding your baby on time and gradually weaning off nighttime feedings is a way to help your baby sleep better and more consistently. Regular feedings and gradually reducing nighttime feedings not only help your baby sleep more deeply but also give you more time to rest.
Weaning off night feedings gradually: Weaning off night feedings should be done gradually to give your baby time to adjust. Start by gradually reducing the amount of milk at each night feeding and increasing the amount during the day. For example, if your baby usually feeds 4 times at night, you can reduce it to 3 times the first week, then 2 times the next week and gradually until your baby no longer needs night feedings. This will help your baby’s stomach get used to not needing extra milk at night and he will learn to soothe himself back to sleep when he wakes up.
Limit children from sleeping too much during the day.
You should only let your baby sleep for 2 hours during the day, then wake him up to eat, change his diaper and play. He should have time to stay awake and play between naps. Young children usually need more sleep than adults, but adjusting their nap time appropriately is essential to ensure that your baby does not lose his biological rhythm and has a good night’s sleep.
Benefits of limiting daytime naps: When your baby sleeps too much during the day, he or she may not be tired enough to fall asleep at night, leading to fussiness, restlessness, or waking up multiple times during the night. Limiting daytime naps helps your baby feel just tired enough when it’s time for bed at night, making it easier to fall asleep and sleep more deeply. This also helps establish a stable circadian rhythm, helping your baby clearly distinguish between day and night.
Daytime activities: Physical activities and play during the day also help your baby burn off energy, making him tired and falling asleep more quickly at night. Activities such as playing outdoors, crawling, walking (for older children) or gentle indoor games are all very helpful.
Limit your baby’s activities and laughter before bedtime.

Limiting your child’s playtime or laughter before bed is an important way to help them fall asleep easily at night. When your child engages in strenuous physical activity or has a lot of mental stimulation right before bedtime, their body and brain will be in a state of excitement, making it difficult to transition to the state of relaxation needed for sleep.
Clean the baby’s sleeping area
Keeping your baby’s sleeping area clean is an important factor in helping your baby fall asleep easily and sleep well at night. A clean sleeping space not only creates a feeling of comfort but also ensures the health and safety of your baby, thereby supporting deep and uninterrupted sleep.
Benefits of cleaning the sleeping area: Young children have very weak immune systems and are easily affected by environmental factors such as dust, bacteria and allergens. A clean sleeping area helps reduce the risk of respiratory and skin diseases. At the same time, when lying in a clean, airy space, the baby will feel more comfortable and secure, thereby falling asleep more easily.
Dress your baby in comfortable clothes for easy sleep.

Dressing your baby comfortably is an important factor in helping them fall asleep and sleep well at night. The right sleepwear not only makes them feel comfortable, but also helps regulate their body temperature, preventing them from waking up in the middle of the night because they feel too hot or too cold.
Benefits of dressing your baby comfortably: Babies have sensitive skin and an incomplete thermoregulation system, so choosing soft and breathable sleepwear is essential. Sleepwear made of cotton or organic fabrics does not irritate the skin, absorbs sweat well, and keeps your baby’s skin dry and comfortable. When your baby is not irritated or itchy, he or she will fall asleep easily and sleep more deeply.
To overcome the situation of children sleeping during the day and working at night, adjusting living habits and creating an ideal sleeping environment is very necessary. Parents need to patiently create a regular sleep schedule, limit daytime sleep time and daytime activities to help children burn energy. Before bedtime, create gentle habits such as changing into comfortable pajamas, taking a warm bath and reading stories to help children recognize that it is time to go to bed. Through the above article that Autoru shared, hopefully parents can help their children no longer “sleep during the day and work at night”.