Sleepiness in newborns

Excessive sleepiness in newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns sleep a lot, up to 18-20 hours a day, and this is absolutely normal. However, there is a condition that can be confused with ordinary sleepiness but is one of the most alarming symptoms — it is lethargy. This is pathological sluggishness that indicates the child's body is fighting a serious problem.

How to distinguish lethargy from normal sleep?

A healthy sleeping baby wakes easily for feeding and has periods of activity. A lethargic baby is extremely difficult to wake, shows no interest in food, its body "floppy", and the cry is weak. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of lethargy

Lethargy can indicate a wide range of problems:

• Serious infection (sepsis).
• Severe dehydration.
• Very high bilirubin level in jaundice.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Neurological problems.

If your baby seems excessively sleepy and cannot be woken for feeding, this is a reason to call emergency services. You can also read about this condition under the ID newborn_lethargy.