Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns
Having a new baby is amazing, but it has its challenges, especially understanding how they sleep. Sleep is important for the baby’s growth and for tired parents. In this article, we’ll talk about newborn sleep, look at the science behind it, and share practical tips for good sleep habits.
The Science of Newborn Sleep
Understanding how newborns sleep involves unraveling the intricate web of their developing brain and nervous system. Unlike adults, newborns lack a mature circadian rhythm, the internal clock regulating sleep-wake cycles. Instead, they experience irregular and fragmented sleep, cycling through rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep stages in shorter intervals than adults.
Newborns spend a significant amount of time in REM sleep, the stage associated with vivid dreaming, believed to contribute to their cognitive development and neural connections. The balance between REM and non-REM sleep gradually evens as they grow.
Sleep Cycles and Patterns
In the …
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