Ashwin Lewis
Newborns move a lot in their sleep due to their active sleep cycles, which differ from those of adults. Newborns spend a significant amount of time in the REM sleep phase, which is associated with dreaming and sensorimotor development. This results in newborns moving around, twitching, kicking their legs, and making noises such as grunts and moans. In most cases, this restlessness is normal and usually resolves within the first few months as the baby's sleep patterns start to resemble those of adults. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and a calm bedtime environment can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep patterns | Newborns sleep about 16 to 18 hours per day in 4-hour stretches |
| Sleep cycles | Shorter sleep cycles of 60 minutes compared to the 90-minute adult cycle |
| REM sleep | Newborns under 4 months of age spend over half their sleep time in REM sleep, compared to 25% in adults |
| Active sleep | Newborns spend a lot of time in active sleep, a sleep phase that differs from adult sleep |
| Brain activity | During active sleep, the brain is quite active, which is essential for growth and development |
| Moro reflex | Newborns may jerk during sleep due to the Moro reflex or startle reflex, related to their immature nervous system |
| Sensorimotor development | Twitching during REM sleep may be linked to sensorimotor development, activating circuits in the developing brain |
| Sleep disorders | Sleep disorders in young children are normal and usually disappear on their own |
| Sleep routine | Establishing a well-defined sleep routine and schedule can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to adults |
| Nutritional needs | Newborns need to eat at least every 3 to 4 hours, so it's important to not let them sleep for more than 4 hours at a stretch |
| Self-soothing | Infants often have difficulty self-soothing, so strategies like a bedtime routine and calm interactions can help |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep patterns differ from adults
Newborns are noisy and move around a lot at night. They will kick their legs and make grunting sounds, and in most cases, it is entirely normal. Newborns spend a lot of time in a sleep phase called 'active sleep', which is part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises, including grunts and other vocalisations. This phase is when the brain is quite active, which is essential for growth and development.
Babies also twitch during a sleep stage called 'quiet sleep', not just during REM sleep. UI researchers believe that infants' twitches during REM sleep are linked to sensorimotor development—that when the sleeping body twitches, it's activating circuits throughout the developing brain and teaching newborns about their limbs and what they can do with them.
After a few months, babies begin to sleep for longer periods without waking, although episodes of disturbed sleep may still occur. Parents can help them settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to adults by establishing a well-defined schedule and a good sleep routine.
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Active sleep and active dream cycles
A newborn baby's sleep cycle falls into two categories: REM (active sleep) and NREM (quiet sleep). In the first few months of life, a baby's sleep is split almost evenly between REM and NREM sleep stages. As a baby grows, their sleep cycles progress, and they begin to experience the three stages of NREM instead of one, and spend less time in REM sleep. Eventually, their sleep cycle will begin to resemble an adult's.
Active sleep, or REM sleep, is a phase in which a baby's brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development. During this phase, a baby will move around, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises, including grunts and other vocalizations. This is also the stage in which people dream.
Newborns spend much more time in active sleep than adults, amounting to over half of their total sleep time. A newborn baby will sleep most of the time, with many sleeping 14-20 hours a day in two to three-hour bursts. A newborn's sleep cycle is typically 20 to 50 minutes long, with some sources stating 40 minutes. During this time, they will move through light and deep sleep. As a baby grows and develops, their sleep cycles mature, and the time spent in light sleep decreases.
Babies are not born with a strong circadian rhythm, and it takes time for their body clock to kick in and for them to understand when it's time to sleep. By six months, babies will sleep around 13 hours a day.
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Sleep disorders are common in newborns
Newborns also experience the Moro reflex or startle reflex, which is related to their immature nervous system. This reflex is an involuntary response to sudden changes in position, loud noises, or their movements, and it usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures. Newborns may also exhibit benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which is sudden movements of their arms, legs, and face during sleep, and it typically disappears by 6 months.
To help newborns sleep better, parents can establish a well-defined sleep schedule and a bedtime routine. Putting your baby to bed at the same time every night and in the same environment can help them sleep peacefully. It is also important to avoid screens or blue light before bed, as this stimulates the brain and makes it harder for newborns to fall asleep. Additionally, putting your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep can help them learn to fall asleep independently.
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Establishing a sleep routine
It is completely normal for newborns to move a lot and make noises in their sleep. Newborns spend a lot of time in a sleep phase called "active sleep", which is part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During this phase, their brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development.
Understand Your Baby's Sleep Patterns
Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary. Some sleep for long periods, while others sleep in short bursts. Newborns are usually asleep more than they are awake, and they may sleep for up to 18 hours in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. As they grow older, they will need fewer night feeds and may sleep for longer stretches at night.
Keep a sleep log to understand your baby's sleep patterns and wake windows, which refer to the amount of time they can stay awake between naps. For example, newborns are typically only truly awake and alert for about three minutes of every hour, while 3-month-olds can handle being awake for up to two hours at a stretch.
Create a Pre-Sleep Routine
Routines are essential for newborns as they provide reassurance and reinforce their natural circadian rhythms, signaling that it is time to sleep. A pre-sleep routine might include activities such as feeding, cuddling, giving your baby a bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or rocking them gently.
You can also turn down the lights and play soft music or white noise in the background. Keep the volume low, as loud noises may trigger the Moro or startle reflex, which is common in newborns and can cause them to jerk or move suddenly in their sleep.
Be Consistent but Flexible
Consistency is crucial for newborns, as it helps them develop healthy sleep habits. However, it is also important to be flexible and adjust your routine as your baby grows and enters different developmental stages. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all impact your baby's sleep patterns, so be prepared to adapt your routine as needed.
Teach the Difference Between Day and Night
Newborns do not inherently understand the difference between day and night. During the day, keep the lights on, open the windows, and engage in energetic activities. At night, turn down the lights, slow down, and keep things quiet. This will help your baby learn that nighttime is for sleeping, while daytime is for being active.
Avoid Overfeeding and Sleep Associations
Avoid the temptation to overfeed your baby in the hope that they will sleep longer. Their tummies are small and cannot hold large amounts of food. Also, avoid creating sleep associations where your baby relies on certain activities or conditions to fall asleep, such as feeding or rocking. Instead, put them in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake, and give them a few minutes to work it out and fall asleep independently.
Seek Support
Caring for a newborn can be exhausting, so don't be afraid to ask for help. If you have a partner, share the responsibilities of feeding and caring for your baby. If you have friends or family who can lend a hand, don't hesitate to reach out and allow yourself some time to rest and recharge.
Remember, establishing a sleep routine takes time and patience. Every baby is unique, so find a routine that works best for you and your little one, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as you go along.
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Newborn sleep myoclonus
The exact cause of newborn sleep myoclonus is unknown, but experts have several theories. One hypothesis suggests that it may be related to the protective sheath around the baby's spinal cord not being fully developed, allowing impulses to be carried out that would typically be blocked. Another theory posits a potential genetic cause, as the condition has been observed to run in families and occur in multiple family members. Additionally, there is an increased incidence of the disorder in infants of mothers with opioid dependency.
While newborn sleep myoclonus is considered harmless, it can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy without measuring brain waves. In some cases, the movements may be triggered or exacerbated by certain factors, such as repetitive noises, rocking, or exposure to certain medications. However, it is important to note that the condition is generally reported in otherwise healthy newborns without signs of neurologic compromise.
In most cases, newborn sleep myoclonus resolves on its own within the first few months of life, with a median resolution time of 2 months. In some cases, it may persist beyond early infancy, but this is less common. Researchers have used electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to study brain and muscle activity in infants with newborn sleep myoclonus, helping to differentiate it from seizures and better understand its nature.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns move a lot in their sleep because they are in a sleep phase called "'active sleep', which is part of their natural sleep cycle. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises, including grunts and other vocalizations.
Newborns under four months of age spend over half their sleep time in REM sleep, compared with 25% for adults. After six months, infants start to sleep through the night, but night awakenings can still occur until school age.
It is important to establish a well-defined sleep schedule and a good bedtime routine. This involves repeating the same activities in roughly the same way each night before bedtime so that the baby can recognize the signs and calm down.
