Why Do Babies Seem Worse at Night When Ill?

Winter often brings a run of coughs, colds, and seasonal bugs - and with them, more unsettled nights for many families.

It’s common for parents to notice that their baby or child seems relatively comfortable during the day, only to become more uncomfortable, unsettled, or distressed at night. This can feel worrying and exhausting, especially when nights are already stretched.

There are clear reasons why illness often feels worse after dark.

Why Symptoms Feel Worse at Night

When your little one is lying flat there is increased pressure in the head which can mean the pain is worse.

It is also possible that they feel more pain at night because the levels of the anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol and adrenaline are naturally lower at night.

The most obvious factor is that there is no distraction from the pain at night like there is during the day. This means your little one may be able to ‘switch off’ from the pain during the day, but at night it is all they can focus on.

What Can You Do?

• For those older than 12 months, consider propping up the mattress

• For those older than 2 years, try a pillow

• Consider clearing nasal passages

• Consider infant vapour rubs or plug-ins

• Have paracetamol / ibuprofen to hand overnight

Honey and Night-Time Coughs

Dr Shruti Nathwani has highlighted research that found increasing evidence “that a single dose of honey may reduce mucus secretion and reduce cough symptoms in children.”

Important Notes

• Honey should only be given to children over 12 months

• Buckwheat honey was used in the research

A Reassuring Note for Parents

If your child’s sleep feels more disrupted during winter illness, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — and it doesn’t undo any good sleep foundations you may already have in place.

Illness can temporarily change how children sleep, and support during this time is often about comfort, reassurance, and knowing what’s normal.

If your little one has recently recovered from an illness but their sleep is still disrupted and you are unsure what support might be helpful right now, a discovery call is a gentle way to ask questions and get clarity. Get in touch here.