fitful
adjectiveUK /ˈfɪtfʊl/
US /ˈfɪtfəl/
Stopping and starting in a way that is not steady.
The baby had a fitful sleep and woke up many times.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Happening in short bursts with pauses in between.
The fitful wind rattled the windows all night.
3. Not continuous or reliable; happening off and on.
Progress on the project was fitful because of constant changes.
4. Restless or disturbed, especially describing sleep.
After the long trip, she fell into a fitful doze on the couch.