Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Crying suddenly at midnightDuration of this episode: 1 hour
Doctor's answer:
Hello: The central nervous system development of newborns is not yet mature, and the conditioned reflex of day/night sleep patterns has not been established. If they sleep too long during the day, they may resist falling asleep at night and cry incessantly without being comforted or carried by adults. Additionally, adults, tired after a long day, may be less sensitive to their child's hunger or the need for urination and defecation, leading to delayed responses that can cause crying. Children with rickets, due to calcium deficiency in their bodies, are prone to being easily startled and may cry or wake up at the slightest movement during the night. Children suffering from chronic conditions such as tuberculosis or malnutrition also frequently cry at night.When a child cries at night, it is essential to first identify the cause and consciously train them to adjust their day/night sleep cycle. Activities such as drinking, changing diapers, taking fish oil and calcium supplements should be concentrated during the day. Avoid overfeeding the child during the day; instead, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to ensure they wake up due to hunger. Meanwhile, gently tapping or scratching their soles or amusing them to make them laugh and take deep breaths can disrupt their sleep. This approach encourages less daytime sleep and gradually helps establish a routine of being awake during the day and asleep at night.
If the child suffers from conditions such as rickets, tuberculosis, or malnutrition, timely treatment is necessary. Once these illnesses are cured, the nighttime crying should naturally subside.