If there’s one thing that can wreck a baby’s sleep, turn nights into a battlefield, and sabotage any attempt at a routine, it’s overtiredness.
Many parents believe that the more tired a baby is, the better they’ll sleep. But the truth is exactly the opposite: an overtired baby struggles to fall asleep, wakes up more often, and sleeps more restlessly.
Why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you prevent it?
The Body’s Natural Sleep Rhythm (and What Happens When You Ignore It)
Our bodies are finely tuned machines, running on hormones that keep us awake during the day and help us sleep at night.
- Cortisol is like your morning coffee—it gives you energy and keeps you alert.
- Melatonin is like a warm cup of chamomile tea—it signals your body to slow down and get ready for sleep.
Melatonin production starts in the late afternoon, usually between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. If your child goes to bed during this window, it’s like catching the perfect train to dreamland—their sleep will be deeper and longer.
But if they miss that train?
Their body assumes it needs to stay awake, so it fires up more cortisol. It’s like taking a shot of espresso when you should be winding down.
And the result?
- A baby who fights sleep, crying and fussing instead of relaxing.
- More night wakings and restless sleep.
- Early morning wake-ups (yep, overtired babies often wake up earlier, not later).
- A vicious cycle: less sleep leads to even more difficulty sleeping.
How to Spot Sleepy Signs Before It’s Too Late
Babies don’t always give clear signals that they’re ready for sleep, so learning to spot the right cues is key. Some classic sleepy signs include:
- Rubbing eyes or nose
- Tugging at ears
- Arching their back
- Snuggling into your chest for comfort
But here’s the catch: if you see these signs, it’s already time for bed.
Some babies show tired cues too late, once they’re already overtired. That’s why, in addition to watching your baby, you should also watch the clock.
How Long Can a Baby Stay Awake Before Getting Overtired?
Every baby has a limit to how long they can stay awake before overtiredness kicks in. Here’s a general guide:
- Newborns (0-3 months): around 60 minutes
- Babies 3-6 months: between 90 minutes and 2 hours
- 6 months and older: wake windows gradually increase
If your baby is frequently fussy, fights sleep, or has trouble settling, they might be staying awake too long.
“But My Baby is Full of Energy at 10:30 PM!”
This is something I hear all the time:
“How can I put my baby to sleep at 8 PM when they’re still wide awake at 10:30 PM?”
Here’s the reality: that burst of energy is a trap.
An overtired baby doesn’t look drowsy—they can actually seem hyper, excited, and full of life. That’s just cortisol doing its thing! But soon, this high-energy phase turns into fussiness, meltdowns, and bedtime battles.
And then comes another classic concern:
“If I try putting my baby to bed earlier, they refuse to sleep!”
I get it. But think about this: if left to decide on their own, toddlers would eat candy and ice cream for dinner every night. We don’t let them because we know what’s best for them.
The same goes for sleep. It’s our job to protect their sleep schedule, even when they don’t know they need it.
The Fix: Try This for Two Weeks
If your baby wakes up multiple times a night, is cranky during the day, or struggles to fall asleep, try this for two weeks:
✔ Follow their wake windows carefully to prevent overtiredness.
✔ Put them to sleep at the first signs of tiredness, taking advantage of natural melatonin production.
✔ Adjust their schedule as needed based on their age and sleep patterns.
Many parents fear that too much daytime sleep will mean less sleep at night. But I’ve never had a parent tell me, “My baby sleeps too much!”
Give it a shot, and you’ll see the difference: a well-rested baby is a happier baby. And well-rested parents? Even better.
Need Help Improving Your Baby’s Sleep?
If you have questions or want to share your experience, drop a comment below!
Your sleep consultant at NAP,
Cristina
