Across Pakistan, thousands of parents are struggling with the same question: Why won’t my baby sleep properly? Pediatricians say sleep issues in infants, especially around 6 months old, are more common than most people think. From teething to tummy troubles, several medical reasons can disrupt a baby’s rest.
Many parents worry their child’s sleep patterns are unusual. But doctors confirm that irregular sleep in babies under one year is often temporary — and treatable. In Lahore, Dr. Huma Tariq, a pediatrician at Jinnah Hospital, said, “Most of the babies we see with sleep issues are either teething, dealing with gas, or reacting to changes in feeding. These are manageable conditions.”
Still, she warns that parents should never ignore persistent or extreme sleep disturbances. “If your baby cries excessively at night, arches their back, or shows signs of discomfort, it’s time to seek medical advice,” she said.
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Medical Issues Are Often the Hidden Culprits
Doctors identify several medical causes that can disturb infant sleep. These include colic, acid reflux, allergies, and milk intolerance. Colic leads to long hours of crying, especially in the evenings, often due to trapped gas. Acid reflux makes babies uncomfortable when lying flat, causing them to wake up frequently.
“Allergies or formula reactions are also common,” explained Dr. Kamran Aftab, a Karachi-based pediatrician. “If a baby is sensitive to cow’s milk or soy, it can cause bloating, gas, and rashes, which all interfere with sleep.”
Ear infections are another reason babies may cry or wake repeatedly at night. These infections are hard to detect early because infants cannot express their pain. Frequent tugging at ears or a slight fever may be the only signs.
Sleep apnea, though rare in infants, can also disturb rest. In such cases, the baby may stop breathing briefly during sleep. If a baby snores, gasps, or appears to struggle while breathing, doctors recommend immediate evaluation.
What Parents Can Do to Help
Experts urge parents to follow a few key steps. First, maintain a regular bedtime routine. A warm bath, soft lullaby, and dim lights can signal to the baby that it’s time to sleep. Second, ensure that the baby is fed properly before bed — hunger is one of the most common reasons for frequent waking.
Third, remove distractions. Keep the baby’s sleep area quiet and dark. Avoid loud noises, bright lights, or screens close to bedtime. “Sleep hygiene matters for babies too,” said Dr. Sara Naeem, a child sleep consultant based in Islamabad. “Babies sleep best in a calm and predictable environment.”
If medical issues persist, experts recommend seeing a pediatrician to rule out underlying conditions. Treatment options are often simple and effective.