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Why Do Babies Wake Up in the Middle of the Night? (And Adults Too!)

Awake baby at night

Let’s talk about a little secret that might just blow your mind when I was a new mom:

Your baby will never stop waking up in the middle of the night. 

Shocking, right? But guess what? It’s completely normal. In fact, we all do it – babies and adults alike!


The Science Behind Night Wakings

First things first, let’s get a bit science-y (but I promise not to go overboard!). Both babies and adults go through sleep cycles. These cycles consist of different stages of sleep, from light sleep to deep sleep and back. At the end of each cycle, which happens multiple times a night, there’s a brief period of wakefulness. For adults, these wake-ups are usually so quick that we don’t even remember them. We might adjust our pillow, turn over, and drift right back to sleep.


But babies? That’s a different story. Their sleep cycles are shorter than ours, meaning they wake up more frequently. And because they’re still learning how to self-soothe and get back to sleep on their own, these little wake-ups can turn into full-blown awakenings that require your attention. 🌙


Normalizing Night Wakings

Understanding that these wake-ups are a natural part of sleep can take some of the pressure off. It’s not that your baby is a “bad sleeper” or that you’re doing something wrong. It’s just how sleep works! So, the next time your little one wakes up, remember: it’s normal.


Teaching Independent Sleep

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Does this mean I’ll be getting up with my baby until they’re in high school?” 😱 Don’t worry, you won’t! The goal is to help your baby master the skill of falling back to sleep on their own. When they’re really good at this, they’ll handle those brief wake-ups without needing your help.


How Sleep Coaching Can Help

Here’s where sleep coaching comes in. As a sleep coach, I can guide you through teaching your baby to self-soothe and incorporate healthy sleep habits into your home. The result? A well-rested family! 🏡✨



We’ll work together to create a sleep plan tailored to your baby’s needs and your family’s lifestyle. This might include strategies like establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and gently encouraging your baby to fall asleep independently.


Ready to Chat?

Not sure if sleep coaching is right for you? Let’s chat! Go to my webpage to schedule a free call! I’d love to hear about your sleep challenges and discuss how we can work together to help everyone get a good night’s sleep.


Hang in there, tired parents! Better sleep is just around the corner.

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