Gina Johnson
Getting a newborn to sleep can be a challenge for many parents. Understanding infant sleep patterns is key to helping your baby sleep more peacefully and for longer. Newborns have two distinct sleep cycles: REM and Non-REM. After 15-20 minutes of falling asleep, babies enter Non-REM sleep, which is a deeper and calmer state of sleep. During this time, they are less likely to be startled and awakened. To test if your newborn is in a deep sleep, gently lift their arm and see if it flops. If they are in a deep sleep, you can more easily move them without waking them up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to enter deep sleep | 15-20 minutes after falling asleep |
| Sleep cycles | REM and Non-REM |
| Sleep duration | 8-9 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night |
| Sleep position | On the side or back |
| Sleep environment | Swaddled, pre-warmed bassinet, room temperature water bottle, thin blanket, pacifier |
| Sleep routine | Consistent bedtime routine, fed and burped, fresh diaper |
| Sleep transfer | Wait until the baby is in a deep sleep stage, then transfer from one sleeping place to another |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns have two sleep cycles: REM and Non-REM
Non-REM sleep, on the other hand, is a quieter sleep stage with minimal activity. It is during this stage that newborns experience deeper, more restorative sleep, which is essential for physical growth and cellular repair. Non-REM sleep also plays a crucial role in immune system development and overall growth.
The transition between REM and Non-REM sleep in newborns is not as smooth as in adults, resulting in more frequent awakenings. These awakenings are a normal part of the newborn sleep cycle and indicate the developmental needs of infants. A newborn's sleep cycle can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, significantly shorter than the 90-minute sleep cycles of adults.
Understanding these sleep cycles is important for parents, as it can help them create a supportive sleep environment for their newborns. For example, during the transition from deep to light sleep, newborns may wake up if they experience any upsetting or uncomfortable stimuli, such as hunger. In such cases, some newborns may need help resettling and transitioning back into a deep sleep.
Additionally, recognizing the different sleep stages can help parents identify the best time to move their newborns without waking them. Newborns typically enter deep sleep about 15 to 20 minutes after falling asleep, and during this stage, they can be moved without easily awakening. To test if a newborn is in deep sleep, you can gently lift their arm and observe if it flops back down.
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Deep sleep occurs 15-20 minutes after falling asleep
Understanding your newborn's sleep patterns is key to helping them establish a healthy sleep rhythm. Newborns have two distinct sleep cycles: REM and Non-REM. REM stands for "Rapid Eye Movement", and during this phase, newborns can be easily startled and awakened. Non-REM sleep is a much deeper and calmer state of sleep, and it occurs about 15-20 minutes after falling asleep. During this stage, your baby will be more peaceful and easier to transfer to their crib if you have been holding them.
In the early months, newborns enter sleep through an initial period of light sleep. After 15-20 minutes, they gradually enter Non-REM sleep, from which they are not so easily aroused. If you try to move your baby during the initial light sleep period, they will usually wake up. As your baby transitions from light to deep sleep, you can help them by laying a comforting hand on their back or singing a soothing lullaby.
It's important to note that newborns may awaken as they pass from deep to light sleep and may have difficulty falling back asleep. This transition period is vulnerable, and any upsetting or uncomfortable stimulus, such as hunger, can cause them to wake up. If they do wake up, some babies can self-soothe, while others may need help resettling, such as a helping hand, voice, or breast to return to deep sleep.
To help your newborn sleep more deeply, pay attention to their physical needs. Ensure they are well-fed, have a clean diaper, and have been properly burped since their last feeding. Establishing a bedtime routine is also beneficial, but be careful not to let your baby fall asleep while being held or eating, as they may come to expect this every time they sleep.
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Signs of sleep readiness should be recognised
As a new parent, you may struggle to get your newborn to sleep and keep them asleep, especially in a deep sleep. Understanding infant sleep patterns is key to knowing how to soothe your infant to sleep and encourage a more peaceful sleep rhythm throughout the night.
In the early months, infants enter sleep through an initial period of light sleep. After 15 to 20 minutes, they gradually enter deep sleep, from which they are not so easily aroused. If you rush your baby to bed while they are in the initial light sleep period, they will usually awaken. Many parents notice that their baby has to be fully asleep before they can put them down. In later months, some babies can enter deep sleep more quickly.
Learn to recognize the stages of sleep your infant is in. Wait until your baby is in a deep sleep stage before transitioning them from one sleeping place to another. Stand adoringly next to your sleeping baby and watch them sleep. About an hour after they first go to sleep, they begin to squirm, toss about, their eyelids flutter, their face muscles grimace, they breathe irregularly, and their muscles tighten. They are re-entering the phase of light sleep.
The time of moving from deep to light sleep is a vulnerable period. Many babies will awaken if any upsetting or uncomfortable stimulus, such as hunger, occurs. If the baby does not awaken, they will drift through this light sleep period over the next ten minutes, followed by a descent back into deep sleep. Infant sleep cycles are shorter than adult sleep cycles, lasting 50 to 60 minutes. Infants experience a vulnerable period for night-waking about every hour or even less. As your baby enters this light sleep, lay a comforting hand on your baby’s back, or sing a soothing lullaby. If your baby is in your bed, be there next to them. You can help them get through this light sleep period without waking. Some babies need help getting back to sleep.
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Babies may wake up when moving from deep to light sleep
Understanding infant sleep patterns is key to knowing how to soothe your baby to sleep and encourage a more peaceful sleep rhythm throughout the night.
In the early months, infants enter sleep through an initial period of light sleep. After twenty minutes or more, they gradually enter deep sleep, from which they are not so easily aroused. If you rush your baby to bed while they are in the initial light sleep period, they will usually awaken. Many parents have observed that their baby has to be fully asleep before they can be put down. In later months, some babies can enter deep sleep more quickly. It is important to learn to recognize the stages of your infant's sleep. Wait until your baby is in a deep sleep stage before transitioning them from one sleeping place to another.
The time of moving from deep to light sleep is a vulnerable period. Many babies will awaken if any upsetting or uncomfortable stimulus, such as hunger, occurs. If the baby does not awaken, they will drift through this light sleep period over the next ten minutes, followed by a descent back into deep sleep. Adult sleep cycles (going from light to deep sleep, and then back to light sleep) last an average of 90 minutes. Infant sleep cycles are shorter, lasting 50 to 60 minutes. Infants experience a vulnerable period for night-waking around every hour or even less. As your baby enters this light sleep, you can lay a comforting hand on their back or sing a soothing lullaby. If your baby is in your bed, be there next to them. You can help them get through this light sleep period without waking. Some babies need help getting back to sleep. Some “resettlers” or “self-soothers” can go through this vulnerable period without completely awakening. If they do wake up, they can ease themselves back into a deep sleep. Other babies need a helping hand, voice, or breast to resettle back into a deep sleep.
One of the goals of nighttime parenting is to create a sleeping environment that helps babies go through this vulnerable period of night-waking and re-enter deep sleep without waking up. Not only do babies take longer to go to sleep and have more frequent vulnerable periods for night waking, but they also have twice as much active, or lighter, sleep as adults. If you consider the developmental principle that infants sleep the way they do for a vital reason, it may be easier to understand your baby’s nighttime needs and develop a nighttime parenting style that helps rather than harms their natural infant sleep rhythms.
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A comforting hand or a soothing lullaby can help them get back to sleep
How to Soothe Your Newborn Back to Sleep
Newborns have a two-cycle sleep pattern, with one cycle being a deep sleep phase. During the early months, infants enter sleep through an initial period of light sleep, gradually entering deep sleep after 15 to 20 minutes. During this transition phase, newborns are vulnerable to waking up. A comforting hand or a soothing lullaby can help them get back to sleep. Here are some tips to help your newborn transition through this vulnerable period and settle into a deep sleep:
The Comforting Hand
The sense of touch is vital in soothing your newborn. When you notice your baby entering the light sleep phase, place a comforting hand on their back. This simple gesture can provide a sense of security and help your baby relax. You can also try the "hand trick" to determine if your newborn is in deep sleep. Gently lift their arm and let go. If it flops back down like a "dead fish," they are likely in deep sleep.
The Soothing Lullaby
Singing lullabies is a timeless way to calm and soothe your baby. Soft, repetitive melodies can signal to your newborn that bedtime is near, creating a comforting and familiar routine. Research shows that lullabies significantly lower stress levels and promote emotional regulation in babies. Singing gentle songs can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. From classics like "Rock-a-Bye Baby" and "Hush, Little Baby" to modern adaptations like Elvis's "Can't Help Falling in Love," the power of lullabies lies in their ability to create a calming atmosphere and strengthen the bond between you and your little one.
Combining the Two
Using both touch and sound, you can create a soothing bedtime routine. Hold your newborn close, sing a gentle lullaby, and enjoy the bonding experience. The combination of your comforting hand and soothing voice can work together to ease your baby back into a deep sleep. Remember, every baby is unique, so you may need to experiment to find what works best for your little one.
In summary, when your newborn enters the light sleep phase, you can help them transition to deep sleep by providing a comforting hand or singing a soothing lullaby. These techniques offer security and relaxation, fostering a peaceful sleep environment for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns enter a deep sleep about 15-20 minutes after falling asleep. You can test if they're in a deep sleep by gently lifting their arm and letting it go; if it flops, they're likely in a deep sleep.
Make sure your newborn is well-fed, has a fresh diaper, and has been burped since their last feeding. You can also swaddle them before they fall asleep, and then hold them for a few minutes before putting them down.
Wait until your baby is in a deep sleep stage before moving them. When you do move them, place their butt on the mattress first and then slowly lower the rest of their body. Keep a hand on them as they settle.
Deep sleep, or Non-REM sleep, is associated with cognitive development, knowledge retention, and learning. It is a much calmer state of sleep, and your infant is more likely to be peaceful and easier to transfer to their crib.
