Ashwin Lewis
Newborns typically sleep for 16 to 16.5 hours per day, but this is often split into eight hours at night and eight to nine hours during the day. During the first few months, newborns will go through different sleep patterns, and it is common for them to be restless during sleep. This can be attributed to shorter sleep cycles, overstimulation, tiredness, or trapped wind. Newborns also spend a lot of time in REM sleep, which involves increased movement, and they may instinctively toss and turn or make sudden movements with their arms, legs, and face during this phase. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to that of adults.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 16 to 17 hours per day |
| Sleep cycle | Shorter sleep cycles with frequent awakenings |
| Sleep position | Tossing and turning, sitting up, changing position |
| Sleep environment | Temperature, diaper, feeding, noise, light |
| Sleep routine | Bath, songs, lullabies, breastfeeding, pajamas |
| Sleep disorders | Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, nightmares |
| Baby's age | Newborns, toddlers, older babies |
| Baby's state | Tiredness, overstimulation, separation anxiety |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns spend half their sleep in REM sleep, a light sleep phase with increased movement
- Babies need to wake up every two to four hours to feed, disrupting their sleep
- Babies can become overtired if kept awake for more than two hours at a time
- Establishing a bedtime routine can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to adults
- Overstimulation of a baby's senses can cause restlessness
Newborns spend half their sleep in REM sleep, a light sleep phase with increased movement
A newborn baby's sleep cycle falls into two categories: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). Newborns spend close to equal amounts of time in REM and NREM sleep, which means they spend about half their sleep in REM sleep. REM sleep is a light sleep phase that is often referred to as "active sleep", during which dreaming occurs.
During REM sleep, the body is typically temporarily paralysed due to atonia, which is a loss of muscle strength. However, the eyes and diaphragmatic muscles remain active, and the brain activity resembles that of a waking state. While the temporary paralysis usually prevents movement during REM sleep, if this atonia is disturbed, it can lead to acting out dreams through vocalisations and sudden limb movements. This phenomenon is known as REM sleep disorder.
Newborns spend a significant amount of time in REM sleep, which may contribute to their restlessness and fidgeting during sleep. Their sleep patterns also differ from those of adults, as they need to wake up frequently for feeding and diaper changes due to their small tummies. Additionally, overstimulation, tiredness, and trapped wind can cause restlessness in newborns.
As babies grow older, their sleep patterns evolve and they spend less time in REM sleep, transitioning to deeper sleep stages. By adulthood, REM sleep accounts for only about 20% of total sleep time. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help babies settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to that of adults.
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Babies need to wake up every two to four hours to feed, disrupting their sleep
Newborns have shorter sleep cycles than adults and wake up every couple of hours to feed, which can be disruptive to their sleep. During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share, which can help with feeding and comforting during the night. It may take a few weeks for a baby's brain to distinguish between night and day, and it is important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and resisting the urge to play or talk to your baby will help signal that nighttime is for sleeping.
Breastfed babies feed very frequently, about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed less often, about every 3-4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It is completely normal for newborns to be restless in their sleep during the first few months, as their sleep cycles differ from adults. Babies spend about half of their daily sleep in the REM phase, which involves increased movement, vivid dreams, and rapid eye flickering. During the REM phase, newborns may instinctively toss and turn, whimper, or make sudden movements of their arms, legs, and face. This is known as benign neonatal sleep myoclonus and usually disappears by 6 months.
To help your baby settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to that of adults, you can establish a well-defined schedule or bedtime routine. This involves repeating the same activities in roughly the same way each night before bedtime, such as a warm bath, songs, lullabies, soft lighting, or breastfeeding. The aim of this routine is to calm the baby and help them recognize the signs of bedtime.
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Babies can become overtired if kept awake for more than two hours at a time
Newborns typically sleep for around eight hours at night and eight to nine hours during the day. However, this is just an average, and some newborns sleep much more or less. During the first few months, a baby will go through different sleep patterns, and it's important for new parents to know that their sleep may not be consistent.
Newborns naturally cycle through light and deep sleep all night long. Whenever they enter the REM phase, they instinctively toss and turn or even whimper. This is completely normal; if left alone, they'll slowly transition back into a deep sleep. Rushing to pick them up every time they're restless, however, disrupts their sleep cycle.
Overstimulation of a baby's senses is one of the many reasons a baby may be restless, but other reasons can include tiredness, trapped wind, or teething. To soothe a restless baby, you can try a change of scenery, some fresh air, or a walk. You can also establish a bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, breastfeeding, or changing into pajamas. The more consistently you practice this routine, the more quickly they'll associate it with bedtime and become drowsy.
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Establishing a bedtime routine can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to adults
Newborns typically sleep for around 16.5 hours per day, but this is usually broken up due to frequent feeding and diaper changes. During the first few months, newborns will wake up repeatedly in the night, and their sleep cycles differ from those of adults. However, over time, a newborn's sleep pattern will evolve and become more similar to that of an adult.
It is important to be consistent with the bedtime routine, repeating the same activities in the same order each night, so the baby can recognize the signs and develop good bedtime habits. This routine should be soothing and low-energy, helping the baby relax and feel secure. Swaddling can be a useful technique to make the baby feel secure and prevent the startle reflex from waking them up.
A bedtime routine can also help with sleep transitions, making it easier for the baby to fall asleep independently. This skill will benefit them as they grow older, and it reinforces the bond between the caregiver and the baby. Additionally, it can reduce parental stress by providing a sense of control over the baby's sleep patterns.
It is normal for newborns to be restless and fidgety in their sleep during the first few months. This may be due to overstimulation, tiredness, or trapped wind. However, if the restlessness is linked to existing issues or occurs frequently with intensity, it is best to consult a doctor.
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Overstimulation of a baby's senses can cause restlessness
A newborn baby's sleep patterns differ from those of an adult. Newborns typically sleep for around 16.5 hours per day, but this is usually split between day and night. During the first few months, a baby's sleep cycle will change often, and they will wake up frequently to feed.
It is completely normal for newborns to be restless in their sleep during the first few months. This restlessness can be caused by a variety of factors, including overstimulation of their senses. Overstimulation occurs when a baby experiences more stimuli than they can handle. This can include too much noise, new people, or new environments.
During the first few months, a newborn's brain is learning how to sort, analyse, and respond to all the new information it is receiving. If a baby is overstimulated, their brain can quickly become overloaded, resulting in agitated crying and unsettled behaviour. They may turn their head away, their movements may become jerky, or they may clench their fists, wave their arms, or kick.
To prevent overstimulation, it is important to provide your baby with a calm environment and reduce noise and activity around them. You can also try to remove them from overstimulating situations and focus on helping them calm down. Wrapping newborns can help them calm down by reducing physical sensations, and they may also find it soothing to be carried next to your body in a sling.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns fidget in their sleep because they spend half their sleep time in REM sleep, a light sleep phase involving increased movement. Newborns also have shorter sleep cycles than adults, and their sleep patterns change frequently during the first few months.
Yes, it is completely normal for newborns to fidget and be restless in their sleep. Their sleep patterns differ from adults, and they need to wake up frequently to feed.
You can help your newborn settle into a sleep-wake cycle similar to adults by establishing a well-defined sleep schedule. Repeat the same activities in roughly the same way each night before bedtime so that your baby can recognise the signs, such as a warm bath, soft lighting, or lullabies.
