OverTrtiredness in Babies

(By Keren Giber Segev)

What It Means and How to Help Them Sleep?

Overtiredness in babies isn’t just about missing bedtime; it’s a physiological state where the body begins producing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, making it harder for your little one to settle. Instead of a smooth transition to sleep, they may appear hyperactive, fussy, or have difficulty calming down.

This state creates a vicious cycle. When babies fall asleep in overtiredness, their sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented because they skip over the lighter stages of sleep and plunge straight into deep sleep. The body later compensates for the skipped stages by keeping them in a lighter state of sleep for longer, leading to frequent night wakings.

What Can You Do?

The key to breaking the overtired cycle is to pause and help your baby regulate before attempting to put them to sleep again. Here’s how:

• Release Excess Energy: Gentle activities like infant massage, rhythmic brushing from head to toe, or tapping (like a soft drumbeat) can calm their nervous system and release pent-up energy.

• Engage in Movement: Dancing together, practicing exercises from a baby class, or using a technique like frequent position changes (as described in my previous post) can help.

• Calm with Water: A soothing bath can help reset their sensory system and prepare them for sleep.

• Use What Works for Your Baby: Every baby is unique, so trust your instincts to find what soothes and engages them.

Spend 15–20 minutes focusing on releasing energy, then reintroduce a calming bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment.

Preventing Overtiredness

Recognizing early tiredness cues—like staring off, rubbing eyes, or fussing—can help you respond before overtiredness sets in. However, not all babies show these cues clearly, so maintaining a consistent rhythm of activity and rest based on your baby’s age can prevent them from becoming overstimulated.

Why This Matters

Supporting your baby’s sleep with an attachment-based approach means being responsive to their needs—not forcing sleep, but helping them feel secure, regulated, and ready for rest. By taking time to meet your baby where they are, you’re laying the groundwork for healthy sleep habits and strengthening your bond.

If you have any questions about your baby’s sleep,

I’m always here to help!