Ashwin Lewis
Newborns spend a lot of time sleeping — around 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. However, they don't have established sleep-wake rhythms, and their sleep cycles are short, typically lasting 20 to 50 minutes. During sleep, newborns can be very active, moving around, crying out, and making noises like grunting, moaning, gurgling, and whining. This is known as active sleep, and it's completely normal. It occurs because newborns are still developing and learning to regulate their breathing and digestive systems. They may also be hungry or dealing with gas or acid reflux. While most sleep noises are harmless, some may indicate a need for medical attention, such as rapid or laboured breathing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep cycles | Newborns sleep in short bursts of 20-50 minutes, alternating between active and quiet sleep. |
| Active sleep | Newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. |
| Quiet sleep | Newborns lie relatively still and their breathing is more even. |
| Self-settling | Newborns will learn to settle themselves between sleep cycles as they get older. |
| Crying | Newborns cry to communicate their needs, such as feeding, changing, or needing help to settle. Crying is most frequent in the first 3-4 months. |
| Sleep associations | It is important to create positive sleep associations and avoid negative settling techniques, such as holding the baby until they fall asleep. |
| Feeding | Newborns need regular feeding, so they sleep in short periods. Breastfed babies may need to feed more frequently at night. |
| Sleep schedule | Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are unlikely to develop a regular sleep schedule in the first 3 months. |
| Sleep regression | Sleep regression can occur around 4 months, changing the sleep pattern. |
| Sleep position | Babies feel more secure sleeping on their tummies but this position is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. It is recommended to put babies on their back to sleep. |
| Sleep environment | Making clear distinctions between day and night can help newborns differentiate between the two. |
| Nighttime feeds | Weaning nighttime feeds can help newborns sleep through the night. |
| Sleep routine | Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can aid in improving sleep patterns. |
| Sleep duration | Newborns typically sleep for 12-16 hours in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. |
| Sleep disruptions | Newborns may experience sleep disruptions due to teething, illness, or other physical issues. |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns have short sleep cycles, so they constantly move between sleep and wakefulness
- Babies may cry in their sleep when they are sick, teething, or having a nightmare
- Newborns are still learning to regulate their digestive and respiratory systems, so they may struggle to breathe in their sleep
- Newborns need to be fed around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are expected
- Establishing a routine and exposing babies to natural daylight may help regulate their sleep patterns
Newborns have short sleep cycles, so they constantly move between sleep and wakefulness
Newborns have short sleep cycles, typically lasting around 20 to 50 minutes. These sleep cycles are divided into active sleep and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns may move around, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. This is because their brains and bodies are still working hard to learn vital skills like digestion, even while they sleep. As a result, newborns can be very active during active sleep, and it is common for them to make noises such as grunting, moaning, or crying out. This active sleep accounts for about half of their total sleep time, with newborns spending approximately 25 minutes out of a 50-minute sleep cycle in this state.
The other half of their sleep cycle is quiet sleep, during which newborns lie relatively still and their breathing becomes more even. It is normal for newborns to wake up between these sleep cycles. As they get older, they will learn to self-soothe and settle themselves back to sleep without assistance. This ability to self-settle varies among babies and is influenced by their temperaments and personalities.
The short sleep cycles of newborns contribute to their frequent waking and sleep-wake disruptions. Newborns need to feed regularly, so they sleep in short periods. Their internal clocks may also be off, causing them to mix up their days and nights. This distinction between day and night can be taught by creating clear differences in the environment, such as keeping the room dark during daytime naps and avoiding screen time during nighttime feedings.
Additionally, newborns may experience sleep regression around four months of age, which can alter their sleep patterns. It is important to note that newborns aged 1–3 months are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and it is unlikely for them to develop a regular sleep schedule or sleep through the night during this early stage.
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Babies may cry in their sleep when they are sick, teething, or having a nightmare
It is common for babies to cry in their sleep. In the first three months, newborns cry a lot as they are still getting used to life outside the womb and are trying to communicate their needs for feeding, changing or settling. During this time, they may also experience a sleep regression that disrupts their sleep patterns.
Babies may cry in their sleep when they are sick. Illnesses can cause more crying than usual and disrupt sleep patterns. If your baby is ill, they may also exhibit other symptoms such as a high temperature, rapid breathing, or vomiting. In such cases, it is important to contact your health visitor, GP, or seek medical advice.
Teething can also cause babies to cry in their sleep. Infants usually start teething from around three months old, and the pain and discomfort of new teeth emerging can result in crying and restlessness. To soothe teething pain, caregivers can try teethers, especially those stored in the fridge to keep them cold, or speak to a pediatrician about over-the-counter pain medication suitable for infants.
Additionally, babies may cry in their sleep when they are having a nightmare. While it is unclear when nightmares begin, caregivers can soothe their baby by talking calmly, rubbing their back, or providing comfort through breastfeeding. If the baby wakes up after a nightmare, it is important to follow a soothing sleep ritual to help them get back to sleep. Older babies and toddlers may need reassurance that the nightmare was not real.
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Newborns are still learning to regulate their digestive and respiratory systems, so they may struggle to breathe in their sleep
Newborns sleep in short bursts, typically ranging from 20 to 50 minutes per sleep cycle. During these sleep cycles, newborns experience active sleep, which is comparable to REM sleep in adults. However, unlike adults whose skeletal muscles are paralysed during REM sleep, newborns move around, make noises, and occasionally open their eyes.
While newborns are asleep, their brain and body are actively developing vital skills, including digestion. This intense development during active sleep can lead to consistent movement, grunting, moaning, and even crying out. It is important to note that newborns are still learning to regulate their digestive and respiratory systems, which can result in noisy sleep with irregular breathing patterns. Their lungs are not yet fully developed, and their brains are still learning to coordinate with other body systems. Consequently, you may observe variations in their breathing, such as rapid breathing, slowing down, or even temporary pauses.
Newborns also tend to breathe primarily through their noses, and their airways are relatively narrow. As a result, congestion, dry nasal membranes, or swelling can lead to audible and laboured breathing. These factors contribute to the noisy sleep patterns commonly associated with newborns.
It is essential to distinguish between typical sleep noises and potential indicators of breathing difficulties. While irregular breathing patterns are generally considered normal, specific symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. For instance, if your baby is struggling to breathe, exhibits skin discolouration, or shows signs of illness, such as fever or lethargy, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional right away.
As newborns grow, their sleep patterns gradually change. Around 3 to 6 months of age, they start spending more time in deep sleep and experience fewer sleep-wake disruptions. By the time they reach 6 months old, their sleep tends to become less noisy and more settled.
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Newborns need to be fed around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are expected
Newborns need regular feeding, so they usually sleep in short periods. In the first three months, newborns cry a lot because they need help to feed, change, or settle so they can get back to sleep. Crying is the main way that newborns communicate, and it is important to respond calmly and consistently. Newborns are usually the most unsettled during their first three months, with the longest periods of crying happening during this time, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.
It is common for newborns to make noises during sleep, including crying, grunting, and screaming. This is because newborns have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle, so it is normal for them to wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep. As they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep. This ability to settle themselves between sleep cycles is called self-settling, and different babies will have different self-settling abilities.
To help your newborn sleep through the night, it is important to help them learn to sleep independently, maintain a consistent bedtime routine, and wean nighttime feeds. Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns. It is also important to make clear distinctions between day and night, such as keeping the baby's room dark when they nap and avoiding turning on the TV during nighttime feedings.
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Establishing a routine and exposing babies to natural daylight may help regulate their sleep patterns
Newborns sleep in short bursts, with sleep cycles lasting around 20 to 50 minutes. During this time, they go through active and quiet sleep. In the former, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly, which may be why they complain in their sleep. In quiet sleep, they lie relatively still and their breathing is more even.
- Keep a consistent sleep environment: Make your baby's sleep environment consistent, with regular go-to-bed and wake-up times, even on weekends. This will help them establish a healthy sleep routine.
- Expose them to natural daylight: Exposing your baby to natural light during the day and keeping their environment bright can help regulate their circadian rhythm and improve their sleep patterns.
- Create a soothing bedtime routine: Develop a simple, soothing bedtime routine to help your baby settle and sleep. This could include singing lullabies or using a wind-up musical mobile.
- Teach them the difference between day and night: From an early age, teach your baby that nighttime is for sleep and daytime is for fun. During the day, keep things active and busy, and at night, keep things low-key, with low lights and a soft voice.
- Avoid rocking or feeding them to sleep: After the first month, avoid letting your baby fall asleep while being fed or rocked. This will help them learn to fall asleep independently.
- Be mindful of their sleep position: Never prop a bottle in your baby's mouth when putting them to bed, as it can lead to choking, ear infections, and cavities.
- Keep them comfortable: Ensure your baby is neither too hot nor too cold, as this can disturb their sleep.
- Get them used to noise: It's good to get your baby accustomed to sleeping through a certain amount of noise. This will help them sleep through minor disturbances.
- Look for signs of sleepiness: Watch for signs that your baby is getting tired, such as crankiness, and put them to bed before they become overtired, as this can make it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns spend a significant amount of time in the REM phase, which is a lighter sleep state associated with dreaming. They also have higher levels of non-REM or active sleep, during which their muscles are not paralysed, and they may move around, make noises, and even cry out while still asleep. Newborns are also still learning to regulate their breathing and their digestive systems, which can lead to strange sounds and discomfort.
Newborns may grunt, moan, gurgle, squeal, whine, snore, hiccup, coo, and lip-smack in their sleep. They may also cry out or breathe noisily or irregularly. These noises are usually completely normal and nothing to worry about.
If your newborn is struggling to breathe, seems congested, or you notice any other signs of illness, such as fever or lethargy, contact your doctor or seek medical attention. If your baby is moaning or grunting at the end of a breath, this could indicate respiratory distress.
To help your newborn sleep better, ensure they are comfortable and not too tightly wrapped, and that they are at a comfortable temperature. A pacifier may help to soothe them. Provide a dim and quiet environment at night, and expose them to light and gentle play during the day to help them learn the rhythm of day and night.
