The child often cries and fusses at night but is normal during the day.
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A child who frequently cries and fusses at night but behaves normally during the day may be experiencing discomfort due to factors such as room temperature being too high or too low, excessive bedding, or wearing too many clothes, all of which affect physical comfort. It could also result from calcium deficiency, which significantly increases nerve excitability and negatively impacts sleep quality. Additionally, exposure to allergens causing eczema—resulting in skin redness, swelling, and itching—may be another contributing factor.
Children who frequently cry and fuss at night but are normal during the day may be affected by non-medical factors, or possibly by medical conditions such as calcium deficiency or eczema.
I. Non-medical Factors
This may result from uncomfortable sleeping conditions such as excessively high or low room temperature, overly thick bedding, or wearing too many clothes, all of which affect physical comfort. Symptoms usually gradually improve once the sleep environment is adjusted.
II. Medical Factors
1. Calcium Deficiency
A lack of calcium in the body may lead to increased nerve excitability, thereby affecting sleep quality. This can be managed under medical guidance using medications such as calcium gluconate oral solution, calcium carbonate granules, or calcium lactate granules.
2. Eczema
Eczema triggered by exposure to allergens may cause skin redness, swelling, and itching, leading to nighttime discomfort. Treatment may include antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, or ebastine tablets, used according to a doctor's advice.
In addition, mouth ulcers could also be a possible cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
