Getting Into Sleep: The Drowsy Drift
As our little ones gracefully transition into a state of slumber, subtle signs of drowsiness emerge. Their delicate eyes gently droop, and their activity levels gradually subside. This initial stage beckons them into the realm of dreams, where their rest and rejuvenation journey begins.
We’re A Little Sleepy: Light Sleep
Right after the drowsy drift, our babies venture into the realm of light sleep. This is when we can see our babies stir, make gentle movements, and babble. During this period our babies’ brain activity is heightened as their minds wander through the landscape of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Here, their developing brains diligently process the myriad of experiences encountered during the day. This is also the stage of sleep where dreams occur. A baby’s emotional development and executive function are also said to be heavily affected by their REM sleep as their brain waves are more active.
Finally, We’re There: Deep Sleep
Ah, the blissful stage of deep sleep. As our little ones settle into this profound state, their bodies become tranquil, their breaths slow down, and their movements grow minimal. Deep sleep provides a vital opportunity for physical growth and restoration, as their precious bodies recharge for the adventures that await them. In deep sleep, the baby’s brain waves produce delta waves, and their hypothalamus releases an increased amount of growth hormones which go on to promote growth of bone and cartilage in the baby.
Now We’re Moving: Active Sleep
During this stage, our babies' sleep becomes animated and dynamic. They may experience sudden bursts of movement, accompanied by subtle facial expressions and occasional giggles. Like in light sleep, this lively phase stimulates their brains which contributes to information processing, memory consolidation, and cognitive development. This memory consolidation occurs because of sleep spindle activity which is associated with certain neurons. These neurons make up circuits which determine what information is processed and what information is ignored.
The Sleep Duration of Little Dreamers
In addition to the different stages of sleep, it's important to understand the duration of our babies’ sleep. According to Stanford Children's Health, newborns and young infants tend to sleep for approximately 16 to 17 hours per day. As our babies grow older, they, on average, sleep less hours. As they reach twelve to twenty-four months of age, they will sleep approximately 8 to 12 hours per day at nighttime. 🌚 If only they could donate some of their sleep hours to us sleep-deprived parents. 🥲
Understanding our baby's sleep patterns offers invaluable insights into their growth, development, and overall happiness. As we navigate the intricate realm of baby sleep, let us treasure every moment and relish the joyous adventures that lie ahead. 😊
It is recommended to keep your babies fresh and comfortable while they sleep. That’s why when it comes to your baby's sleepwear, choosing the right fabric is crucial, and this is the reason why at Nenes we use 100% Peruvian Pima cotton. Pima cotton offers an incredibly soft touch, ensuring optimal comfort for delicate baby skin. Nenes clothes also promote breathability, regulate body temperature, and reduce the chances of overheating so that our babies can have a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. With our Pima cotton sleepwear, your little one can rest comfortably and safely, bringing sweet dreams to both baby and parents. 💤
Dear readers, as you embark on this remarkable exploration of your baby's sleep, we’ll continue to bring you more relevant information on this topic. 😊🌱