Miya Pearson
Newborns sleep a lot—between 14 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period. But do they sleep even more after a growth spurt? The answer is yes. Studies have shown that babies sleep more during growth spurts. This is because growing is exhausting work, and it takes a lot of energy to support the physical changes that are happening in a baby's body. In fact, growth spurts have been linked to increased secretion of the growth hormone during sleep, which stimulates bone growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Increases by an average of 4.5 hours per day for two days |
| Number of sleep episodes | Increases by an average of three extra naps per day for two days |
| Probability of a growth spurt | Increases by 43% for each additional sleep episode |
| Probability of a growth spurt | Increases by 20% for each additional hour of sleep |
| Sleep patterns | Become unpredictable and variable |
| Sleep alterations | May occur without a growth spurt |
| Growth spurts | May occur in other parts of the body |
| Sleep and growth | Hormonal signals during sleep stimulate bone growth |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep is a contributing factor to growth spurts at the biological level |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep and growth are temporally coupled processes |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep patterns may be associated with saltatory growth spurts |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep is significantly associated with growth spurts |
| Sleep and growth | Sleep and growth are linked |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period
- Growth spurts are short periods of quick physical growth
- Growth spurts in babies tend to be shorter, lasting up to three days
- Sleep and growth are linked by the secretion of growth hormones
- Growth spurts can cause sleep resistance and fussiness in newborns
Newborns need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period
Sleep is essential for newborns, who need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. Newborn sleep patterns are typically unpredictable and variable, and newborns often wake up overnight for feedings and comfort, whether they are experiencing a growth spurt or not.
Indeed, growth spurts are a time when a baby's sleep patterns may change, and they may sleep more during these periods. A baby's growth spurts can be identified by their fussiness, increased appetite, and mood changes. During growth spurts, babies may also experience sleep resistance, and their sleep may become more restless.
It's important to be flexible with a newborn's sleep schedule to ensure they get the sleep they need. This may involve offering an earlier bedtime if they have skipped or had short naps during the day. Newborns may also take additional naps during growth spurts, with an increase in the number of sleep episodes per day of around three extra naps for two days.
While newborns need a significant amount of sleep, this decreases as they get older. Once out of the newborn phase, babies need between 12 and 15 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. By four months of age, babies may start to settle into a more predictable sleep routine, typically consisting of 10 to 12 hours of overnight sleep, with two to three daily naps adding up to around two to four hours.
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Growth spurts are short periods of quick physical growth
Growth spurts can last from a few days to a few weeks, and during this time, children may experience changes in their sleep, appetite, and behaviour. They may become fussier or more emotionally outburst, and their sleep patterns may become more irregular with an increase in the number of sleep episodes and duration. Studies have shown that growth spurts are significantly associated with increased sleep in infants, with peaks in total daily sleep duration and the number of sleep episodes corresponding to measurable growth spurts in body length.
The exact nature of the relationship between sleep and growth is not fully understood, but it is known that the secretion of growth hormones increases after sleep onset and during slow-wave sleep. This change in hormonal signals during sleep may stimulate bone growth, supporting anecdotal reports of "growing pains". Sleep may be one component of a physiological system that underlies growth timing, and the increase in sleep during growth spurts may be the body's way of fuelling the quick physical growth that occurs during this time.
While growth spurts are a normal and expected part of a child's development, it is important to be flexible with sleep schedules and provide additional feedings or encourage nap times to meet their needs during this time. Growth spurts can be challenging for both children and parents, but they are a temporary phase that will pass as the child adjusts to their new physical changes. It is also important to be patient with their changing emotions and provide comfort and support as they navigate these changes.
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Growth spurts in babies tend to be shorter, lasting up to three days
It is widely acknowledged that babies sleep more during growth spurts. A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that growth spurts in infants are significantly associated with irregular bursts of sleep, with an average increase of 4.5 hours per day for two days. The number of sleep episodes per day also increased, with an average of three extra naps per day for two days.
These growth spurts tend to be short-lived, lasting up to three days, and are characterised by changes in behaviour, increased hunger, and fussiness. During this time, it is important to adapt to your baby's needs, offering additional feedings and encouraging naps throughout the day. This may include being flexible with sleep schedules, such as offering an earlier bedtime if your baby has skipped or had short naps during the day.
The relationship between sleep and growth spurts is not fully understood, but it is known that the secretion of growth hormones increases after sleep onset and during slow-wave sleep. This change in hormonal signals may stimulate bone growth, supporting the anecdotal reports of "growing pains".
While the exact nature of this relationship requires further research, the available studies and observations suggest a significant link between increased sleep and growth spurts in infants. These growth spurts are a normal part of a child's development and can occur at different stages, with most babies experiencing them regularly during their first year.
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Sleep and growth are linked by the secretion of growth hormones
Sleep and growth are closely linked in newborns, with sleep being a contributing factor to growth spurts. Newborns experience growth spurts a few times in their first year, typically around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old. These growth spurts are associated with increased sleep, with newborns sleeping up to 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period. This sleep includes a combination of overnight sleep and multiple naps throughout the day.
This link between sleep and growth is mediated by the secretion of growth hormones, which are crucial for growth and development. The release of growth hormones is influenced by a complex feedback system involving the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and other organs. This system is regulated by sleep, with growth hormone secretion occurring predominantly during deep sleep or slow-wave sleep. The increase in growth hormone secretion during sleep stimulates bone growth and muscle development, as well as tissue regeneration and repair.
The relationship between sleep and growth hormone secretion has been supported by studies showing a significant association between increased sleep and measurable growth spurts in body length. These studies found that longer sleep corresponds with greater growth, and the probability of a growth spurt increases with each additional sleep episode and hour of sleep. This suggests that adequate sleep is essential for optimal growth and development in newborns.
Additionally, the quality of sleep also plays a role in growth. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can negatively impact a child's development, learning, behavior, and overall health. It can lead to difficulties with concentration, increased irritability, growth impairment, weakened immune function, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, ensuring that newborns get enough high-quality sleep is vital for their growth and overall well-being.
During growth spurts, it is important to be flexible with sleep schedules and allow newborns to get the sleep they need. This may include offering earlier bedtimes or accommodating additional naps. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and a dark sleeping environment can also help establish healthy sleep patterns.
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Growth spurts can cause sleep resistance and fussiness in newborns
Sleep patterns during growth spurts can become unpredictable, with infants experiencing irregular bursts of sleep and increased sleep duration. Studies have shown that growth spurts are significantly associated with increased sleep and naps. For example, a study published in the journal SLEEP found that infants had irregular bursts of sleep, with 24-hour sleep duration increasing by an average of 4.5 hours per day for two days. The number of sleep episodes per day also increased, with an average of three extra naps during this period.
The relationship between sleep and growth spurts is complex. While the exact nature of this relationship is not fully understood, it is known that the secretion of growth hormones increases after sleep onset and during slow-wave sleep. This change in hormonal signals may stimulate bone growth, supporting the idea that sleep plays a crucial role in growth spurts. Additionally, the probability of a growth spurt increases with longer sleep durations and more sleep episodes.
To support your newborn during a growth spurt, it is important to be flexible with sleep schedules and offer early bedtimes if needed. Growth spurts can also affect a newborn's appetite, so it is essential to feed on demand and provide extra nutrition. Remember that growth spurts are a normal part of your child's development, and these changes are temporary. If you have any concerns or notice any signs of illness, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
While growth spurts can cause sleep resistance and fussiness in newborns, it's important to note that every child is unique and will experience growth spurts at different times and with varying intensities. Some newborns may not exhibit significant changes in sleep patterns during growth spurts, reinforcing the idea that individual variability is expected during these developmental stages.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns sleep more after a growth spurt. It is normal for newborns to have varied sleep patterns and wake up overnight for feedings and comfort, whether they are going through a growth spurt or not.
Growth spurts typically last for a few days to a week. They tend to be shorter for young children and a bit longer for adolescents.
Newborns need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. After the newborn phase, babies need between 12 and 15 hours of sleep within 24 hours.
Signs of a growth spurt include fussiness, increased appetite, and changes in sleeping patterns. Growth spurts can also cause changes in behaviour and emotions.
You can support your baby during a growth spurt by providing additional feedings, offering early bedtimes, and being patient with their changing emotions. It is also important to adapt your baby's routine to meet their needs and encourage positive sleeping habits.
