Sleep is essential for everyone, especially for little ones who need a lot of rest to grow and develop. Understanding how their sleep cycles work can help parents provide better sleep environments for their children. Here’s some more information on sleep cycles in babies:
- Day sleep cycles: During the day, most babies have sleep cycles that last around 40 minutes. These cycles usually start with light sleep and then move into deep sleep. After a period of deep sleep, babies will come back into light sleep. This is the point where they can either wake up or go back into deep sleep.
- Night sleep cycles: At night, babies typically have one long sleep cycle that lasts from around 7pm to 10.30/11pm. This is followed by shorter sleep cycles that occur every 2 hours. Some babies will wake up at the end of each sleep cycle, while others will link them together and only wake up when they are hungry. You can ready more about why babies wake overnight here.
- When sleep cycles start: Sleep cycles usually start around 4 months of age, although some babies may start as early as 10 weeks, while others may not start until 16 weeks.
- Tips for helping babies sleep better: There are several things parents can do to help their babies sleep better, such as establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a calming sleep environment, and making sure their baby is getting enough daytime naps. It’s also important to remember that every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
By understanding their little ones’ sleep cycles, parents can help create a healthy and restful sleep environment for their babies. Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, and don’t hesitate to seek advice if you have concerns about your child’s sleep habits.