Babies With Congenital Heart Disease: Common Sleep Symptoms To Watch For

For infants with mild congenital heart conditions, sleep patterns often appear similar to those of healthy babies. However, subtle signs may still be present, especially during sleep. One common symptom is a bluish tint around the lips, known as cyanosis, which may become more noticeable when the baby is resting.

Respiratory Symptoms During Sleep

Some babies may exhibit noticeable flaring of the nostrils while sleeping, along with open-mouth breathing. These signs indicate that the infant is working harder than normal to breathe. In certain cases, there may also be episodes of interrupted breathing or shallow breaths that disrupt the baby's sleep cycle.

Excessive Sweating and Discomfort

Another key symptom is excessive sweating during sleep. Infants may sweat heavily, soaking their clothes and bedding, even in cool environments. This can cause discomfort and further disturb their ability to stay asleep throughout the night.

Sleep Disturbances and Irritability

Difficulty Falling and Staying Asleep

Babies with congenital heart disease may struggle to fall asleep and often appear restless once they do. They may cry frequently during the night and are easily startled by sounds, even after being calmed and put back to sleep.

Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention

In more severe cases, infants may experience intense breathing difficulties that wake them up suddenly. These babies may appear to gasp for air or sit upright instinctively to ease their breathing. This type of sleep disruption is a red flag and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.