It’s a common scenario for many parents: your baby seems to be drifting off into a peaceful slumber, only to start rubbing their eyes and waking themselves up. This behavior can be perplexing and frustrating, especially if it happens repeatedly throughout the night or during naps. While eye rubbing is a normal reflex for babies, it can sometimes disrupt their sleep patterns and make it more difficult for them to stay asleep.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons why your baby keeps rubbing their eyes while sleeping and waking themselves up, as well as offer some tips on how to help your baby sleep more soundly.
1. Tiredness and Sleep Cues
One of the most common reasons why babies rub their eyes is tiredness. Babies, just like adults, rub their eyes as a natural response to feeling sleepy. However, unlike adults, babies may not always understand how to manage their sleepiness, and eye rubbing is one of the cues they use to signal that they’re ready for sleep. If your baby is rubbing their eyes, it’s a sign that they’re feeling drowsy, and they may be struggling to settle down.
Sometimes, if a baby is overtired, their body produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. In this state, babies may become more fussy, rub their eyes, and even wake themselves up just as they’re drifting off. Being overtired often results from missing the optimal sleep window or staying awake too long between naps, making it harder for the baby to soothe themselves and sleep deeply.
How to Help:
- Pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues, such as eye rubbing, yawning, or becoming fussy, to ensure they are put down for a nap or bedtime before they become overtired.
- Establish a consistent sleep routine to help your baby transition into sleep more easily. This could include activities like a bath, gentle rocking, or a lullaby to create a calming atmosphere before sleep.
2. Dry Eyes or Irritation
Another reason your baby might be rubbing their eyes while sleeping is dryness or irritation in their eyes. Babies’ eyes are very sensitive, and various factors can cause discomfort, prompting them to rub their eyes even in their sleep. For instance, if the room where your baby is sleeping is too dry, especially in winter when heating systems are running, it can cause their eyes to become dry and itchy.
Other potential irritants include allergies, dust, or even something as simple as a stray eyelash or particle in the eye. Babies may not have the motor control to clear away the irritant easily, so they instinctively rub their eyes, sometimes waking themselves up in the process.
How to Help:
- Keep your baby’s sleeping area clean and free of dust or allergens that may irritate their eyes. Consider using a humidifier in the room to maintain moisture in the air, especially in dry climates or during colder months.
- If you suspect an eye infection or allergy, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), consult your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Teething Discomfort
Teething can cause a variety of symptoms in babies, including irritability, discomfort, and disruptions in their sleep patterns. When babies are teething, they may experience facial pain, particularly around their gums, jaws, and sometimes even their eyes. This discomfort can lead to babies rubbing their eyes as a way of self-soothing, even during sleep.
Teething discomfort often peaks at night when babies are trying to rest, which can lead to restless sleep and frequent waking. Your baby may rub their eyes in an attempt to relieve some of the tension or discomfort caused by teething, but in doing so, they may wake themselves up.
How to Help:
- If you suspect teething is the cause of your baby’s eye rubbing, offer them teething toys or a cool washcloth to chew on before bed to help soothe their gums.
- Consult your pediatrician about safe options for pain relief if teething is severely disrupting your baby’s sleep.
4. Sensory Exploration
In some cases, your baby may rub their eyes simply because they are still exploring their senses and learning about their body. Babies often use their hands to explore their face, mouth, and eyes, and this sensory exploration can continue even when they are sleeping or trying to fall asleep.
While eye rubbing during sleep might not always be due to discomfort or tiredness, it can still disrupt your baby’s sleep by inadvertently waking them up. Babies may not yet have the motor skills to realize that rubbing their eyes can lead to waking up, so they do it unconsciously.
How to Help:
- Try using mittens or soft mittens on your baby’s hands at night to prevent them from rubbing their eyes too vigorously.
- Encourage your baby to explore their senses during playtime when they are awake, which might reduce the need for sensory exploration during sleep.
5. Sleep Regression or Developmental Changes
Many babies go through periods of sleep regression, typically around 4 months, 8-10 months, and 12 months, as part of their natural development. These regressions are often linked to major developmental milestones, such as learning to crawl, walk, or talk. During these times, your baby’s sleep cycle may become disrupted, and they might wake up more frequently or have trouble staying asleep.
Eye rubbing during these periods can be a sign of frustration or difficulty adjusting to the changes in their body and brain. Sleep regressions are often temporary, but they can lead to increased wakefulness, shorter naps, and more frequent eye rubbing as your baby struggles to settle back into a regular sleep pattern.
How to Help:
- Be patient during periods of sleep regression, and try to stick to your baby’s normal bedtime routine to provide comfort and consistency.
- Offer extra comfort and soothing during these developmental changes, such as rocking, gentle swaying, or soft music, to help your baby transition back to sleep more easily.
6. Habitual Behavior
Finally, eye rubbing can become a habit for some babies, especially if it has become their primary method of self-soothing. Just as some babies suck their thumbs or hold a blanket for comfort, eye rubbing may become a repetitive action they use when they are tired or seeking reassurance. Over time, this habitual behavior can become ingrained and may occur even during sleep, leading to unintentional waking.
How to Help:
- If you notice your baby has developed a habit of rubbing their eyes, try offering an alternative method of self-soothing, such as a pacifier or a soft blanket.
- Monitor your baby’s sleep environment to ensure they are comfortable, well-rested, and not relying on eye rubbing as their primary method of settling down.
Conclusion: How to Support Better Sleep for Your Baby
If your baby keeps rubbing their eyes while sleeping and waking themselves up, it’s likely due to a combination of factors such as tiredness, discomfort, or even habitual behavior. While eye rubbing is a natural reflex for babies, it can sometimes disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to more frequent waking.
By paying close attention to your baby’s sleep cues, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, and addressing any potential sources of discomfort, you can help your baby get the rest they need. If your baby’s eye rubbing persists or is accompanied by signs of irritation, infection, or pain, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Every baby is different, and finding the right combination of soothing techniques, sleep schedules, and comfort measures may take some time. With patience and care, you can help your baby sleep more soundly and minimize the disruptions caused by eye rubbing.
