When newborn babies fall asleep, they move directly into a phase of active REM sleep, unlike adults, who begin a sleep cycle in NREM. Newborn babies tend to spend most of the day sleeping, usually for two to four hours at a time, waking for shorter periods of one to two hours in order to eat. The daily sleep-wake pattern of a newborn is mainly driven by a developing central nervous system and the need to eat.
How Is A Baby’s Sleep Cycle Different From An Adult’s?Ī baby’s sleeping habits and needs differ significantly from an adult’s.
And as they grow and mature, babies learn how to move more smoothly between phases of sleep, which correlates with shorter periods of transitional phase sleep. Over their first year, babies spend less time in active sleep and more time in quiet sleep, similar to children and adults. During the transitional phase, infants may experience a mix of movements, breathing patterns, and brain activity that are associated with other phases of sleep.
During this phase, babies’ eyes move quickly under their eyelids, and their muscles might randomly twitch. Active phase: In the active phase, REM sleep occurs.A baby’s sleep cycle is primarily characterized by longer durations of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which researchers believe is crucial for meeting developmental milestones. Referred to as a baby’s sleep cycle, this pattern repeats about every 60 minutes over a period of several hours. Throughout a period of sleep, a newborn moves through these phases in a predictable pattern. Each phase is defined by certain body movements, changes in breathing patterns, and variations in brain activity. What Are Baby Sleep Cycles?Ī baby’s sleep cycle involves three distinct phases: active sleep, quiet sleep, and transitional sleep. You can take action to help your baby sleep through the night in several ways, including sleep training, improving their bedtime routine, and talking with a doctor. If it feels like you are struggling with your child’s sleep patterns, do not worry - this is common among newborns and babies, and every child differs. During their first 6 months, babies undergo a number of changes in their sleep habits before they begin to follow a regular day-night sleep schedule. Babies aren’t born with a fully formed circadian rhythm, it develops over time. During the first few weeks and months, it may seem like your newborn’s sleep patterns are erratic and unpredictable, and your own lack of sleep may make it even more challenging to find relief for your family.ĭeveloping an understanding of your baby’s sleep cycles and patterns can help you navigate changes through the first year of their lives and beyond. As a parent, it’s natural to have questions or concerns about a newborn baby’s sleep habits.