Why Your Baby Wakes Up Every Hour — and What You Can Do

You gently settle your baby to sleep, take a deep breath, and finally try to rest — but an hour later, they’re awake again. And then again. And again.Waking up every hour can be deeply exhausting — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can feel like an endless cycle of interrupted nights, even when you’re doing everything “right.”

If you’ve found your way here with tired eyes and a heavy heart, please know this: you are not alone. This is one of the most common — and most challenging — experiences of early parenthood. And no, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your baby, that you’re doing something wrong, or that it will always be this way.

Before you blame yourself or feel lost, it’s worth understanding what might actually be happening. There are real, natural, and often expected reasons behind frequent night waking — and once we understand the science of infant sleep, everything begins to make more sense.

So, let’s explore together what could be behind your baby’s broken sleep — and how, with gentleness and respect, you can begin to create calmer nights for your whole family.

Infant Sleep: Natural, Developing, and Still Maturing

In the first months — and even years — of life, a baby’s sleep is still developing. Contrary to what many believe, newborns don’t arrive in the world knowing how to sleep like adults. Sleep is a skill that matures gradually, influenced by biological rhythms, neurological growth, and emotional development.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns have significantly shorter sleep cycles — usually lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. Much of that time is spent in light (REM) sleep, which can make up as much as 80% of their total rest. This means babies are naturally more prone to waking between sleep cycles — especially at night.

Research also shows that night waking is a normal part of healthy development. A systematic review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews (Galland et al., 2012) analysed 34 observational studies and found that babies aged 0–2 months may experience up to 3.4 night wakings, while children between 1 and 2 years may wake as much as 2.5 times per night.Inother words, fragmented sleep — especially in the first year — is expected and part of how babies learn to sleep over time.

Still, understanding what’s normal doesn’t necessarily make the long nights easier. When wakings become very frequent, persistent, and start affecting the family’s wellbeing, it’s worth exploring what might be contributing — and, if needed, seeking gentle, supportive guidance.

What Might Be Causing Hourly Wakings?

If your baby is waking every hour, one or more of the following factors may be playing a role.

1. Sleep Associations: When the Way They Fall Asleep Impacts the Whole Night

It’s completely natural — and very common — for babies to fall asleep with some form of help: feeding, rocking, or being cuddled in your arms. In the early months, this closeness meets your baby’s emotional and physiological needs.

However, as your baby grows, they may begin to wake between sleep cycles (typically every 40–60 minutes). If the conditions they fell asleep in — such as the breast, movement, or your presence — are no longer there, they may cry and need help to return to sleep. When this happens at every cycle, it could be a sign of a sleep association that’s become hard to sustain.

That said, not every baby who falls asleep feeding or being rocked will need changes. Many naturally learn to connect sleep cycles on their own. What matters most is whether your current approach works for your family — and if it’s not, that might be the time to gently explore new strategies.

According to Mindell et al. (2006), sleep associations are one of the most common behavioural factors linked to infant sleep difficulties. But this doesn’t mean there’s only one “right” way. Every baby has their own rhythm, and every family can find an approach that aligns with their values, needs, and reality.

2. Developmental Leaps: A Busy Brain at Work

As babies grow, their bodies and brains go through remarkable changes. Rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking are exciting milestones — but they require intense cognitive and physical effort.

During these phases — often called developmental leaps — sleep can become lighter and more fragmented. The brain continues processing new skills during the night, and many babies even “practise” their discoveries in the cot.

Patience and adjusted expectations are your best allies here. Your baby isn’t regressing in sleep — they’re progressing in other areas. And this, too, is part of healthy development.

3. Separation Anxiety: When Sleep Feels Like Missing You

Between 6 and 10 months, many babies go through a peak of separation anxiety. They begin to realise they’re a separate person from their main caregiver — often the mother — and this awareness can feel unsettling. If they wake in the night and don’t find you nearby, they may cry out of fear or longing, even if they’re not hungry.

Some babies — especially those who are highly sensitive or experiencing transitions (like a parent returning to work) — may show signs earlier, around 4 months.

This stage is actually a positive sign of emotional development: your baby is forming secure attachments and learning to trust. Your consistent presence, gentle reassurance, and predictable routines help them feel safe — and remind them that even when you go, you always return.

Moments of connection during the day — eye contact, cuddles, playful interaction — strengthen this bond and often lead to more settled nights. With warmth, consistency, and time, this phase passes, and sleep naturally begins to stabilise again.

4. Physical Discomfort and the Sleep Environment

Frequent waking can also be linked to discomfort or a disruptive sleep environment. Teething, reflux, wind, or a blocked nose can disturb sleep — as can rooms that are too bright, noisy, or warm.

A calming sleep space should be neutral and comfortable: dark, quiet (or with gentle white noise if needed), and well-ventilated. Small changes — such as adjusting lighting or temperature — can make a surprisingly big difference.

And if you suspect your baby is in pain or unwell, always speak to your GP or health visitor for reassurance and guidance.

5. Overtiredness: When Too Much Wake Time Works Against Sleep

It may sound counterintuitive, but overtired babies often sleep worse — not better. When they stay awake too long or skip naps, their bodies release extra cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder to fall and stay asleep.

This can lead to restless nights and frequent wakings. Observing your baby’s sleep cues and respecting age-appropriate wake windows can help restore balance.A well-rested baby is usually a better sleeper — and that starts with the right rhythm during the day.

So, What Can Help?

The good news is that even during the toughest nights, there are gentle, evidence-based ways to support your baby’s sleep. Every family is different, but the following strategies are widely recommended by sleep specialists and align beautifully with healthy development and attachment.

Create a predictable, soothing bedtime routine: A calm, consistent bedtime routine helps your baby recognise that sleep is near. Simple steps — a bath, massage, lullaby, or story — provide comfort and signal the brain to wind down.Research shows that regular bedtime routines are linked to better sleep quality (Mindell & Williamson, 2018).

Watch for sleepy cues and wake windows: Respecting your baby’s natural rhythm and signs of tiredness helps prevent overtiredness and makes it easier for them to fall — and stay — asleep. A well-timed nap can make all the difference.

Set up a sleep-friendly environment: A dark, quiet space with a comfortable temperature supports deeper, more restorative rest. Sometimes the smallest adjustments — like blocking light or adding soft white noise — can bring the biggest results.

Offer emotional security and consistency: A baby who feels safe, heard, and connected during the day is more likely to sleep well at night. Your loving presence and responsiveness build the foundation for confident, independent sleep in time.

Even when nights feel long, remember: your baby is learning, growing, and depending on you for comfort — and that’s where the foundation of healthy sleep begins.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’d like to understand more deeply what lies behind your baby’s changing sleep patterns — and how to support them through each phase — the Infant Sleep Academy is here to help. Our L.O.V.E. Method will guide your family with science, empathy and gentleness, helping you rediscover rest as it’s meant to be: natural, respectful and full of love.

By Mariana Friend

Infant Sleep Specialist, founder of the Infant Sleep Academy, and creator of the L.O.V.E. Method — a compassionate, science-based approach that honours each baby’s unique rhythm and nurtures rest through connection.