Understanding Baby Sleep: Insights from a Norland Nanny
As a Norland Nanny and a sleep consultant, I’ve spent many years supporting families with their little ones’ sleep struggles. However, it wasn’t until I became a mother myself that I truly appreciated the complexities of baby sleep and how deeply it impacts both the baby and the entire family.
If you’ve found yourself wondering why your baby’s sleep can be so unpredictable or why they wake up after seemingly just getting to sleep, the answer lies in their sleep cycles. In this post, I’m going to explain the science behind baby sleep cycles and share practical tips to help parents support their little ones in getting the rest they need.
What Are Baby Sleep Cycles?
Baby sleep is not like adult sleep—it’s more fragmented and occurs in cycles that differ from those of older children or adults. A baby’s sleep cycle is typically much shorter, lasting around 50-60 minutes, compared to an adult’s cycle of 90 minutes. This is because babies are in a lighter sleep phase for a larger portion of their sleep cycle, which makes it easier for them to stir, wake up, and need soothing to fall back asleep.
Throughout the night, babies go through two types of sleep: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is when dreaming occurs and when babies are more likely to be restless or wake. Non-REM sleep, on the other hand, is the deep, restorative sleep that babies need to grow and develop.
Understanding the Stages of Baby Sleep:
Light Sleep (REM Sleep): In this phase, your baby’s eyes may move under their eyelids, and their body might twitch. This is when they are most likely to wake up and need your help to settle back down.
Deep Sleep (Non-REM Sleep): During this phase, your baby’s body is repairing and growing. It’s vital for development. Babies spend less time in deep sleep than adults do, which is why they often need help transitioning between sleep cycles.
Transition Sleep: Babies will cycle between light and deep sleep throughout the night, and sometimes they can’t transition smoothly from one phase to another, which is when they may wake up crying. This is normal, but it can be tricky for parents to manage.
How Baby Sleep Cycles Impact Parents:
Because babies have shorter sleep cycles and lighter sleep, they are more likely to wake frequently during the night, especially in the early months. Parents often find themselves exhausted as they try to soothe their little ones back to sleep, not realising that their baby might simply be waking up between sleep cycles and needs a little help transitioning. Understanding this helps remove some of the stress and confusion for parents.
Supporting Your Baby’s Sleep Cycles:
As a sleep consultant, my advice is to support your baby’s sleep with these practical tips to help them (and you!) get the best rest possible:
Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: Babies thrive on consistency. Set a calming bedtime routine that signals to your baby it’s time to sleep. This could include activities like a warm bath, a quiet story, or some soothing music. Having a regular routine helps babies feel secure and signals their body that sleep is near.
Create an Optimal Sleep Environment: Make sure your baby’s sleep space is quiet, dark, and comfortable. Use blackout curtains to block out light, and consider a white noise machine to mask household sounds. The environment plays a huge role in helping babies transition through sleep cycles without becoming fully awake.
Support Self-Soothing: Babies often need help learning to self-soothe to fall back to sleep after waking. Avoid rushing in immediately after every little sound. If your baby is fussing but not crying, give them a moment to see if they can resettle on their own. Self-soothing is an important skill that babies learn with time.
Watch for Sleep Cues: Babies give signs when they’re ready for sleep. If you wait until they’re overtired, they’ll have a harder time falling asleep. Look for signs like rubbing their eyes, yawning, or getting fussy. Put them down for a nap or bedtime when they show these signs, rather than letting them get overtired.
Encourage Full Feedings: Sometimes babies wake up in the night because they haven’t had enough to eat during the day. Encourage full feedings during the day to help them feel more satisfied at night. Of course, this is not always possible, and some babies need night feeds for longer. Always follow your baby’s cues and consult with your doctor if you have concerns.
Be Patient with Night Wakings: It’s completely normal for babies to wake during the night. In fact, most babies wake briefly during their sleep cycles. If your baby seems restless, try to avoid rushing in immediately. Give them a few minutes to see if they can self-settle. If they’re upset, try soothing them gently without picking them up to help them return to sleep on their own.
Practice Safe Sleep: Always follow safe sleep guidelines to keep your baby safe while they sleep. Place your baby on their back to sleep, and keep the crib clear of soft bedding, pillows, or toys. The safest environment is a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
Why Understanding Sleep Cycles is Key:
As a sleep consultant, I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand your baby’s sleep cycles. When you know that they are likely to wake between these cycles, you can set realistic expectations and approach night wakings with a calm and confident mindset. Sleep challenges aren’t a sign of failure—they are a part of the process. And with the right support and understanding, you can help your baby navigate these cycles and get the rest they need.
Conclusion:
Understanding baby sleep cycles isn’t just about getting your baby to sleep for longer stretches; it’s about helping them move through their cycles with ease and supporting their natural sleep patterns. As a Norland Nanny and sleep consultant, I’ve seen how this knowledge can make a huge difference for families. With a little patience, consistency, and the right approach, you’ll be on your way to better sleep for everyone in your home.
If you’re struggling with your baby’s sleep and need help creating a sleep plan that works for your family, reach out. As a sleep consultant and mother, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s Chat
If you’d like to learn more or talk through your baby’s sleep and settling challenges, I offer a free, no-obligation call. It’s a chance to share what’s happening and explore how I can support you and your family. Click here to book your free call today!
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