How Does Low Iron Affect Baby & Toddler sleep?
Can Low Iron Affect Baby Sleep? A Personal Journey and What You Need to Know
This topic is close to my heart, as my youngest son was diagnosed with anemia due to low iron and ferritin levels about a year ago, when he was 4 years old. Looking back, I realise he may have had low iron levels since he was a baby, but it wasn’t until I started questioning his symptoms and advocating for him with the doctors that we got the blood tests that revealed the problem. I already knew about the connection between low iron and sleep issues in babies from working with families in my sleep consulting practice. But my son's experience pushed me to dive deeper into researching how low iron levels can impact sleep.
It's important to note that this is not medical advice, and not every child with sleep disruptions needs to be tested for iron deficiency. However, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and if you feel something is off, advocate for your child and get the answers you need from your doctor.
My Son’s Silent Struggle
My son's journey was a quiet one for a long time. He was an independent sleeper from just 4 months old and a great sleeper at that. He didn’t need me to help him settle, and unless he was sick, he didn’t complain or ask for comfort in the night, even if he was restless or awake early in the morning. As a parent, you get to know each child’s personality, and I’ve learned that raising one ‘signaller’ and one "soother" is a completely different ball game! This was especially true when it came to my youngest son's sleep who was a ‘soother’ and independent sleeper, which made it harder for us to pinpoint what was going on.
It wasn’t until I started to notice his increasing difficulty with simple activities like walking long distances and his constant exhaustion that I started to suspect something more. He wasn’t just a little fussy or boundary-pushing, like I had originally thought. The moment I connected these patterns to his low iron levels, things started to make sense, and I realized how much longer this journey had taken than it should have.
What Does Iron Do for Sleep?
Iron is vital for many bodily functions, including sleep. It plays a key role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate sleep cycles—signaling the brain when it’s time to rest or wake up. If your child’s iron levels are low, their sleep quality can be affected, making it harder for them to settle into a peaceful slumber.
Iron deficiency doesn’t just interfere with falling asleep—it can also contribute to Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), where your baby feels the need to move their legs constantly, often leading to discomfort, restlessness, and difficulty getting comfortable enough to sleep. Unlike "active sleepers" or children who need assistance falling back to sleep every cycle, RLS can cause intense discomfort, particularly during the night when lying down.
If you’ve been consistent with your sleep training approach and your child still struggles to fall asleep, stay asleep and has some of the below symptoms despite not having sleep props, it may be worth consulting your doctor to check for low iron levels.
The Role of Ferritin in Sleep
Ferritin, the storage form of iron, is equally important. Ferritin helps maintain a steady supply of iron in the body. When ferritin levels are low, iron stores are depleted, which can affect energy metabolism. Your baby may feel sluggish or fatigued, further disrupting their ability to sleep well.
Anemia and Sleep Struggles
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a more severe form of low iron, which has been linked to sleep disturbances. Research shows that anemic babies and toddlers often experience more frequent nighttime awakenings, restlessness, and difficulty maintaining consistent sleep patterns. If your child’s iron levels are low enough to cause anemia, it can significantly impact their sleep quality.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Iron in Baby Sleep
Recognizing the signs of low iron can be tricky, especially since symptoms can be subtle. But here are some common signs that might indicate a deficiency and its effect on sleep:
Fatigue and Excessive Tiredness: One of the first signs I noticed in my son was his extreme exhaustion, even from a young age. He didn’t want to walk far, which I initially chalked up to boundary-pushing. But by age 4, he was still refusing to walk long distances while his peers were full of energy. It took me too long to realise that this could be a sign of low iron.
Irritability and Fussiness: Babies with low iron can be more irritable and difficult to settle, which can make bedtime and sleep routines challenging.
Difficulty Falling Asleep: Even when exhausted, babies with low iron may struggle to fall asleep, leading to prolonged bedtime routines and multiple night wakings.
Restless Sleep: Tossing, turning, or constant movements during sleep can fragment sleep, making your child’s rest less restorative.
Short Naps: Low iron can also lead to short naps, which further disrupts their sleep schedule.
Developmental Delays: Iron is crucial for motor skills and cognitive development. A delay in reaching milestones could indicate a deficiency.
Paleness: One of the most noticeable signs for me was my son’s pale complexion. He was always paler than his brother and other kids his age. It was a stark contrast, and it made me suspicious about his overall health.
Increased Respiratory Infections: My son had frequent chest infections and colds, which became an additional red flag for low iron. His immune system was compromised, making it harder for him to recover quickly and impacting his sleep quality.
Craving unusual substances ‘pica’: craving and chewing unusual substances such as ice, clay, soil, paper - of no nutritional value. My son loved ice, he would request a bowl of it to eat.
It's important to remember that these signs and symptoms may not necessarily point to low iron levels, as other factors can also affect sleep patterns. If you notice these signs in your baby and suspect low iron, it's essential to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and testing.
Advocating for Iron Screening
If you suspect that low iron is affecting your child’s sleep, trust your gut—parents often know when something isn’t quite right. I wish I had pushed harder and sooner for iron tests with my son, even when the doctors said he was fine. Unfortunately, many doctors may overlook iron deficiency as a cause of sleep issues, especially when symptoms are subtle or seem to align with other common conditions.
Here’s how you can advocate for the test:
Be Clear About Your Concerns: Share your specific observations—such as persistent fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, or unexplained irritability. Emphasize that these symptoms are unusual and persistent.
Ask for the Test: Request a blood test to check iron and ferritin levels. If needed, provide any family history or dietary factors that may increase the risk.
Be Proactive: Ask for a baseline test during routine check-ups to rule out iron deficiency or other potential issues. It’s always better to have peace of mind.
Better Sleep Starts with Iron
Low iron is often an overlooked cause of sleep disturbances in babies, but understanding its role can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health. From restless legs to irritability and poor sleep quality, low iron levels can significantly impact your baby’s rest. Recognising the signs, asking the right questions, and advocating for iron testing can help address the issue and improve your child’s sleep—and yours.
If you suspect low iron is affecting your child’s sleep, consult your doctor. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can help your little one get the restful, restorative sleep they need.
Hope this helps!
