Patient's question:
Recently, the baby hasn't been eating much milk and has been very sleepy. However, they wake up after sleeping for an hour and then cry for someone to hold them to sleep. This cycle repeats day and night, making it impossible for the baby to sleep soundly. The baby is two months old, with normal height and weight, having gained 6 pounds and grown 10 cm in height. The baby's appetite has always been small, and even when extremely hungry, they only drink a maximum of 90 ML. We are exclusively breastfeeding. The doctor said it's due to calcium deficiency, but the baby doesn't sweat excessively during sleep and doesn't startle awake. They wake up calmly and peacefully, then immediately cry, requiring to be held upright and sleep on the shoulder.Doctor's answer:
There are many reasons, which can be broadly categorized into two types:I. External Factors
1. Hunger
This is more common in newborns and babies under three months old. Breastfeeding or feeding them can resolve this issue. Older babies who are well-fed before sleep can be ruled out as a factor.
In dry weather, babies may become thirsty at night. Providing them with some water can help calm them down.
2. Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency is one of the primary reasons for restless sleep in young babies, and most mothers consider it. Low calcium levels can increase the excitability of the brain's vegetative nervous system, leading to night waking, night terrors, and restlessness during sleep. The solution is to supplement the baby with calcium and vitamin D and increase their exposure to sunlight.