While the amount of sleep a baby requires will change as they grow, they typically need between eight and 20 hours daily. Sleep is important for a baby's well-being and brain development. Babies who don't get enough sleep are at a higher risk for adverse health outcomes.
By understanding the differences in your baby's sleep cycle and the value of quality sleep, you can ensure your child gets enough rest during this stage in life.
Differences Between an Adult and an Infant's Sleep Cycles
There are significant differences in the way adults and babies sleep. Most healthy adults require at least seven hours of sleep per night to function optimally. This sleep also usually occurs in one large block of time. Newborns may sleep up to 17 hours per day. However, their sleep is broken up into shorter periods. That is because babies wake up frequently to be fed.
Unfortunately, infants' sleeping requirements cause them to wake up several times throughout the evening and into the morning, leaving parents deprived of a good night's sleep. While it's understandable to want your baby to sleep through the night, the likelihood of this happening during the first several months is very low. Newborns have not yet developed a circadian rhythm, which is responsible for people naturally growing tired at night as opposed to the daytime.
As babies approach three months, their sleep patterns begin to regulate. While older infants may still require plenty of naps throughout the day, they eventually start sleeping through the night. However, it's normal for many babies to still occasionally awaken. Some may even frequently wake up after they reach their first birthday.
Babies and Sleep Cycles: How They Change as They Grow
Newborn babies and babies over three months old have different sets of sleep stages. While newborns have two, older babies have four. Newborns spend equal time in the rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages as they sleep.
Dreams and rapid eye movement characterize the REM sleep stage, and some infants may exhibit various behaviors such as twitching, fluttering their eyes and making noises. Since newborns spend so much time in REM sleep, some believe they dream more during the first few weeks of life than at any other point. However, researchers know very little about the content of newborn dreams. During the NREM stage, they lie still and do not make any movements or sounds as in REM sleep.
As a baby approaches three months of age, their sleep patterns start looking more like those of adults. They develop five distinct sleep stages at this point, each with their own set of specific brain waves:
- NREM 1: Your baby becomes drowsy and drifts off to sleep.
- REM: This is the active dream phase of sleep for babies.
- K-complexes and sleep spindles (body temperature and heart rate drops)
- NREM 2: Light sleep. Your baby’s body temperature and heart rate drops.
- NREM 3: Deep non-REM stage of sleep. The baby is quiet and still.
- NREM 4: Deep non-REM stage of sleep. Babies are more difficult to wake up in this stage.
While the third and fourth non-REM stages of sleep are the deepest, waking someone up during the first two stages is relatively easy.
Babies and the Development of Sleep Architecture
As babies age and reach childhood, they begin developing a more basic pattern of normal sleep, similar to adults. This pattern is called sleep architecture. Adequate sleep is important for learning, memory and emotional development. Parents can help their children form a healthy sleep architecture by keeping them on a consistent bedtime schedule throughout the week and ensuring they go to bed early. Studies show that sleep quality and schedule are correlated, and children who exhibit sleep problems are more likely to have later bedtimes and an inconsistent bedtime schedule.
Is It Okay To Try To Change Your Newborn's Sleep Schedule?
While most babies will eventually sleep in a more consistent, predictable pattern, exhausted new parents may want to encourage their baby to sleep more routinely at night. Newborns require regular nighttime feedings to receive the nourishment they need to thrive. However, as they age, it is okay to make subtle changes to your daily routine to ease your baby into sleeping soundly at night:
- Keep your room bright during the day.
- Turn off the lights in the nursery and keep it dark in the evening.
- Follow a consistent bedtime routine as often as possible.
- As nighttime approaches, decrease the activities and noise in your home.
- Feed your baby, but do not allow them to fall asleep in your arms.
- Use a white noise machine set to a low volume or turn on a fan.
- Make sure the room is cool but not too cold.
- Lie your baby in their crib while they are drowsy, yet not asleep.
- Put your baby to sleep on their back.
Many parents are on the fence about "sleep training." Sleep training involves allowing your child to "cry it out" for a few minutes before returning to the room to reassure them and then leaving again. According to research, while parents may initially find this method distressing, it can help their child begin sleeping through the night. However, caregivers should only use this technique for babies over six months old.
Healthy sleep habits begin at an early age. By understanding the key differences in sleep stages between adults, children and newborns, you can help your child get the sleep they need every night. A baby who doesn't receive enough sleep is often more irritable throughout the day and may not achieve physical and cognitive milestones on time.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleep pattern, or they cry and are overly fussy every night, you should make an appointment with their pediatrician. They can ensure everything is okay with your baby and may offer additional tips to help them get their sleep pattern back on track.
