Having a newborn can be a wild ride, and if you've been struggling to better understand why your little one is sleeping certain amounts at certain times, this article will explain the science behind it all. From circadian rhythms to melatonin production and more, we’re here to help you sort out each part of the puzzle.

The Importance of Good Newborn Sleep Habits

As any parent knows, good sleep habits are invaluable for newborn babies. Not only does it keep your infant happy and healthy, but it also helps them develop and grow.

One of the most important things to know is that newborns follow a very different sleep pattern than adults. Newborns tend to sleep between 16-18 hours per day, often alternating between periods of deep sleep and light sleep. These cycles are due to the baby's developmental stage – as they get older, their sleeping patterns will become more like an adult's.

Understanding your baby's unique sleep pattern is crucial for establishing healthy and consistent sleeping habits. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to cues such as yawning, eye rubbing, and changes in body temperature— all signs that signal it might be time for a nap!

What You Need to Know About Newborn Sleep Cycles

Being aware of your little one's sleep needs will help you provide them with the best possible care.

First, it's important to understand that new babies cannot regulate their own sleep-wake cycles, which means they have no concept of day or night. In fact, a newborn's sleeping schedule may range from 2 hours to 4 hours awake at a time – and each child is unique and different.

Additionally, expect your baby to cycle through four distinct stages of sleep: active sleep, quiet sleep, drowsiness, and deep sleep. As they get older, they will naturally transition to longer stretches of nighttime rest as their brain matures and grows.

How Much Sleep Your Baby Needs

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns need somewhere between 14-17 hours of sleep per day. 

During the day, your baby will take several short naps of about 30 minutes each. These typically happen around 4-5 times during the day.

At night, you should expect your newborn to sleep for a few hours at a time. In fact, some may actually go on marathon 4-8 hour sessions! This is ideal since it allows babies to get the deep REM sleep they need for physical and mental development in their early stages of life.

Remember: not all newborns are alike when it comes to their sleeping patterns - but knowing how much rest they need can help you make sure they're staying happy and healthy!

The Role of Melatonin and Cortisol in Newborn Sleeping Patterns

Have you ever wondered why newborns have such irregular and unpredictable sleeping patterns? It's largely thanks to two hormones—melatonin and cortisol. These hormones have an important role in setting the rhythm of a newborn child's sleep, helping to define when their body is ready for rest and when it should get ready for the day.

Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone released by the pineal gland in our brains. It is responsible for helping regulate our circadian rhythms which determine when we are awake, and when we are asleep. In newborns, melatonin levels begin to increase as the day progresses, eventually reaching its peak at night - signaling for our bodies to prepare for sleep. For newborns though, this process can be disrupted if they are kept up past sunset or if their exposure to light changes during the night.

Cortisol is another hormone produced by our bodies that plays a vital role in regulating sleep patterns. This hormone helps us respond appropriately when exposed to external stimuli - like bright lights or loud noises - which can help wake people up if they’re sleeping too much. In newborns, however, cortisol levels do not peak until after several weeks of life - meaning they will have difficulty waking up even with external stimuli present.

These two hormones act together to create regular and consistent sleep patterns in newborns as they grow and develop, allowing them to get the restful sleep they need. 

Developmental Changes in Sleep Patterns as Your Baby Grows

Newborns can't differentiate between day and night yet. That's why the first few months of your baby's life can be pretty tricky when it comes to sleep.

But over time, your little one will go through developmental changes that will eventually lead to a more predictable sleep schedule. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Sleep Cycle Length: As your baby grows, their sleep cycles will also become longer. And we're not just talking by the hour - you'll see regular shifts in when they stay awake and when they need to sleep. Generally, these sleep cycles will even out as they get older.
• Sleep Consolidation: As well as the length of their sleep cycle changing, during the first two years of life your child's sleeping patterns will also become more consolidated. This means that more time will be spent in one 'block' rather than being divided up throughout the day - making it easier for them (and you!) to get into a routine.
• Feeding Patterns: Expect your little one's dietary needs to change over time too! You may find that they end up eating fewer meals during the day and switching them around so that they finish eating earlier in the evening.

Supporting Healthy Sleep Habits in Newborns

• Day and Night Cycles: Newborns will typically sleep for short periods throughout the day and night in the first few months of life. Their circadian rhythm (which regulates sleep-wake cycles) is still maturing, so they’ll need help differentiating between day and night. That’s why exposing them to bright lights during the day and keeping their sleeping environment dark at night is important.
• Napping Habits: Newborns need frequent naps—around 16-18 hours a day! Naps should be spread out evenly throughout the day ideally and should be prioritized since they’re key for development. Try creating a nap routine that works with your baby’s natural nap needs—you can do this with soothing activities like singing or reading stories.
• Establishing Sleep Patterns: One of the best ways to establish healthy sleeping patterns in babies is through a consistent pre-sleep routine. This helps them wind down for the night by getting ready for bed at roughly the same time each evening. Going through soothing rituals cuddling up for a story or changing to their Sleep Nest can help signal that it's time for bed and can make going to sleep feel more natural and less intimidating.

All in all, understanding newborn sleep cycles can help you become more informed, and feel more prepared, to navigate your newborn's sleep patterns. When you understand the science behind how newborns sleep, it can help you create a more realistic plan for your baby's sleep needs, and adjust their expectations accordingly. 

Featured image by Lisa Fotios