What are the signs of excessive sleepiness in a three-month-old infant?

Signs of excessive sleepiness in a 3-month-old infant include prolonged sleep duration, deep sleep states, and reduced feeding intake. The details are as follows:

1. Prolonged Sleep Duration

Under normal circumstances, a 3-month-old infant sleeps about 15 hours a day, with each sleep episode lasting approximately 30 minutes. When an infant exhibits excessive sleepiness, the total sleep time may increase significantly—up to 20 hours or even longer. Even after waking up, the infant quickly feels sleepy again.

2. Deep Sleep State

The infant may also show signs of extreme fatigue. During sleep, not only is the sleep duration prolonged, but the infant remains in a deep sleep state and is difficult to awaken, even when surrounded by loud or noisy environments.

3. Reduced Feeding Intake

When a 3-month-old infant is excessively sleepy, prolonged sleep periods can interfere with normal feeding patterns. This may impair gastrointestinal digestion and lead to a noticeable decrease in feeding volume.

In addition to these common symptoms, the infant may also appear lethargic or generally unresponsive. Excessive sleepiness could be caused by serious underlying conditions such as intracranial infections or meningitis. It is recommended to seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.