Herbie Murray
Newborns have very different sleep patterns from adults. They sleep for 16 to 18 hours per day, but only in stretches of up to 4 hours at a time. They also spend over half their sleep time in REM sleep, compared to 25% for adults. As a result, newborns are noisy and move around a lot at night. They may whimper, cry, squirm, and wiggle their heads, arms, or legs. This is completely normal and just means that their brains are active. It can be difficult to tell if your baby is awake or asleep, and you may worry that they are in pain or that something is wrong. However, it is important to let your baby get used to falling asleep on their own, so try to resist the temptation to rush to pick them up every time they stir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep patterns | Newborns sleep for 16 to 18 hours per day in 4-hour stretches. |
| Sleep cycles | Newborns' sleep cycles are shorter, at 60 minutes, compared to the 90-minute adult cycle. |
| REM sleep | Newborns spend over half their sleep time in REM sleep, which involves increased movement, vivid dreams, and rapid eye movement. |
| Sleep disturbances | Newborns may stir, whimper, cry, or move their arms and legs during sleep due to shorter sleep cycles and the REM phase. |
| Self-soothing | Newborns may struggle to self-soothe, and consistent bedtime routines can help them associate certain activities with sleep. |
| Feeding | Newborns need to eat at least every three to four hours, and feeding routines can be incorporated into bedtime routines. |
| Sleep environment | The sleep environment should be calm and boring, with low lighting and reduced screen time before bed. |
| Sleep position | Newborns should always be placed on their backs to sleep, and the crib should be free of pillows, blankets, and toys to reduce the risk of SIDS. |
| Sleep duration | By four to six months, newborns may sleep in longer stretches, but their sleep patterns are still different from adults. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleep cycles in newborns are shorter, with newborns naturally cycling through light and deep sleep
- It is recommended to establish a bedtime routine for newborns to help them fall asleep
- Newborns' sleep can be disturbed due to teething, a cold, or changes in their environment
- Babies should be put to bed when drowsy but before they are completely asleep to encourage self-soothing
- Newborns may struggle to sleep if they become accustomed to dozing off in their caregiver's arms
Sleep cycles in newborns are shorter, with newborns naturally cycling through light and deep sleep
Newborns' shorter sleep cycles are usually to blame for their tossing and turning. The problem resolves as the baby grows, but you can help them adjust by establishing a bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, breastfeeding, or changing into their pyjamas. The more consistently you practice this routine, the more quickly they will associate it with bedtime and become drowsy. Engaging in physical activity close to bedtime can overstimulate your newborn, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. Instead, opt for low-energy activities like reading a book or listening to a lullaby. After living in the womb for nine months, newborns cannot yet distinguish night from day. You can help them adapt by allowing lots of natural light into your home during the day and dimming the lights at night.
Newborns sleep about 16 to 18 hours per day in 4-hour stretches. They sleep for 8 to 9 hours during the day and another 8 hours at night. However, each period of sleep is no longer than 3 hours, as they cannot store much energy and need to eat frequently. At the three- to four-month mark, your baby may begin sleeping for 5 to 6 hours at a time. By four to six months, many infants will begin to need less sleep and to sleep in longer stretches. However, their sleep patterns are still far from comparable to an adult's sleep patterns, and they may still wake briefly during the night.
If your newborn fidgets during their sleep, there is generally no cause for concern. In most cases, it is just physiological. It is completely normal for babies to stir in their sleep, and it means their brain is active. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor, who can help you understand if there is a sleep disorder behind their restless sleep and provide advice on how it can be resolved.
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It is recommended to establish a bedtime routine for newborns to help them fall asleep
It is completely normal for newborns to stir in their sleep. Newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep, and during the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn, whimper, or even cry. Their sleep cycles differ from adults, and they can transition between light and deep sleep more easily.
Establishing a bedtime routine for newborns is recommended to help them fall asleep and teach them good sleep habits. The routine should be consistent and predictable, signalling to the baby that sleep is coming. It can include activities such as a warm bath, feeding or breastfeeding, changing into pajamas, reading a book, or listening to a lullaby. Skin-to-skin contact and swaddling are also beneficial for newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against bathing newborns every night as it can dry out their delicate skin. Instead, a mild soap or lotion with chamomile or lavender can be used for extra relaxation.
The ideal bedtime for newborns is around 9 pm, as they need to eat more frequently and have a full stomach before sleep. A consistent bedtime routine helps newborns transition between awake time and sleep time, providing a sense of comfort and security. It is important to avoid physical activity close to bedtime, as it can overstimulate the child, making it difficult for them to fall asleep.
After six months, infants typically start to sleep through the night, but night awakenings can still occur. Establishing a bedtime routine early on can help newborns develop healthy sleep habits and make it easier for them to fall asleep independently as they grow older.
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Newborns' sleep can be disturbed due to teething, a cold, or changes in their environment
It is normal for newborns to stir in their sleep. Newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep, and whenever they enter the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn or even whimper. This is completely normal, and if left alone, they will slowly transition back into a deep sleep. However, rushing to pick them up every time they stir will disrupt their sleep cycle.
Newborns sleep can be disturbed due to teething, a cold, or changes in their environment. Teething can cause sleep disturbances in newborns, and if your baby suddenly struggles with sleeping through the night, they could be teething. To ease their discomfort, you can use teether devices, medicine, or relaxation techniques. A warm bath or rocking them to sleep can also help.
A cold or illness can also disturb a newborn's sleep. Newborns can wake up repeatedly in the night during the first few months, and this can be due to illness or teething pain. Being too hot or too cold can also disrupt their sleep.
Changes in the environment can also affect a newborn's sleep. For example, a loud noise or a bright light in the room may disturb their sleep. Establishing a bedtime routine can help newborns sleep better. This could include a warm bath, breastfeeding, or changing into their pajamas. Consistency in this routine will help them associate it with bedtime and become drowsy.
Additionally, newborns withdrawing from opiates have been found to experience an increase in active sleep and a decrease in quiet sleep compared to healthy newborns. This hyperirritability can lead to agitation, difficulty sleeping, and inconsolable crying.
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Babies should be put to bed when drowsy but before they are completely asleep to encourage self-soothing
It is completely normal for newborns to stir in their sleep. Newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep, and during the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn, whimper, or even cry. This is because their sleep cycles are different from those of adults, and they go in and out of REM sleep more easily.
Now, here are some tips for putting your baby to bed when drowsy but before they are completely asleep to encourage self-soothing:
Firstly, it is important to understand the sleep readiness signs of your baby. A baby who is drowsy but awake might yawn, rub their eyes, fuss or cry, or pull on their ear. These are signs that your baby is tired and getting ready for sleep.
Secondly, establish a consistent bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, breastfeeding or a feed, changing into pajamas, singing a lullaby, or reading a book. The more consistently you practice this routine, the quicker your baby will associate it with bedtime and become drowsy. It is also important to avoid physical activity close to bedtime, as this can overstimulate your child and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
Thirdly, pay attention to your baby's sleep cues and wake windows. Putting your baby down drowsy but awake means observing these cues and putting them to bed when they are tired enough to fall asleep, but not yet asleep. This can be a confusing task, and it may take some time for your baby to get used to it.
Lastly, be consistent and patient. Putting your baby down drowsy but awake may not work every time, and that is okay. Each attempt is a step towards teaching your baby how to fall asleep independently. With time and practice, your baby will learn to self-soothe and fall asleep without needing your assistance.
Remember, it is normal for newborns to stir in their sleep, and it is important to allow them to adjust to their sleep cycles. By putting your baby to bed when drowsy but awake, you are encouraging them to develop healthy sleep habits and the important skill of self-soothing.
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Newborns may struggle to sleep if they become accustomed to dozing off in their caregiver's arms
It is completely normal for newborns to stir in their sleep. Their sleep is not like that of adults; newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep, and during the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn, whimper, or even cry. This is simply because their brain is active.
Newborns' sleep cycles are shorter than those of adults, at 60 minutes compared to the 90-minute adult cycle. This means that once an hour, newborns will come to a 'partial awakening' and may whine or cry out. They may also wriggle their arms and legs, and sometimes their head, which can be worrying for parents who fear their baby is in pain. However, this is all part of normal newborn sleep patterns.
Newborns may struggle to sleep if they become accustomed to dozing off in their caregivers' arms. If this is the case, it is important to help them learn to fall asleep on their own. Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep, and avoid feeding them to sleep. When they wake at night, walk, don't rush, and keep the interaction brief and boring. Change their diaper or feed them as calmly, quickly, and quietly as possible, then settle them back down and leave before they are asleep.
It is also helpful to establish a bedtime routine, which might include a warm bath, breastfeeding, or changing into pajamas. The more consistently you practice this routine, the quicker your baby will associate it with bedtime and become drowsy. You can also help your newborn adjust to the difference between night and day by allowing lots of natural light into your home during the day and dimming the lights at night.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep, and during the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn, whimper, or even cry. This is completely normal, and if left alone, they will slowly transition back into a deep sleep.
Wait briefly before responding to your newborn's stirrings. If they settle within a few minutes, they were probably just stirring and will go back to sleep. If they don't settle, they are likely awake and need your attention.
Newborns cannot distinguish night from day, so it is important to establish a bedtime routine and a calm environment to help them associate it with bedtime. Avoid engaging in physical activity close to bedtime, as it may overstimulate your newborn. Instead, opt for low-energy activities like reading a book or listening to a lullaby.
Newborns have shorter sleep cycles and may wake up frequently due to their nutritional needs. They also go through a partial awakening during the REM phase, which may cause them to whine or cry out briefly. As they grow older, other factors such as teething, a cold, or changes in their environment may cause night-time awakenings.
