Find out everything you need to know about baby’s sleep cycles in this article. your baby’s sleep cycles. Understanding your child’s natural sleep rhythm is essential to promote peaceful, restful nights.
Indeed, toddler sleep is different from adult sleep, and follows very distinct phases. Learning to recognize these sleep cycles can help you to better support your baby as he falls asleep and improve sleep quality. Stay informed to give your child a good night’s sleep and optimum rest.
Differences between infant and adult sleep cycles
Infant sleep cycles differ markedly from those of adults, particularly in terms of duration and agitation. In fact, an infant spends more time in REM sleep than adults, which means that he or she alternates rapidly between deep and light sleep phases.
In addition, infants have shorter sleep cyclesof around 50 minutes, compared with adult sleep cycles, which last on average 90 minutes. This constant restlessness during infants’ sleep can be attributed to their growing cerebral development.
Restless sleep phases make up 60% of a baby’s early sleep time
Early in life, babies spend around 60% of their sleep time in the restless sleep phase. This phase is essential for their development, as it is during restless sleep that the baby’s brain processes and consolidates information learned during the day.
Moreover, this sleep phase is also crucial for the baby’s motor developmentThis is when babies make rapid eye movements and muscle jerks, which help strengthen their muscles and coordination.
Thus, although sometimes agitated, this phase of sleep is fundamental for infant growth and learning.
Evolution of the baby’s sleep rhythm towards that of the adult
As the baby grows, his sleep rhythm evolves to gradually approach that of adults. Towards the age of 4 to 5 yearschildren begin to have longer sleep cycles and more regularmore like those of adults.
They pass less time in REM sleep and more time in deep sleepThis promotes better physical and mental recovery. Their need for sleep also gradually decreases, from around 16 hours per day to 10 to 12 hours. This transition marks the end of infancy and the beginning of a more mature sleep rhythm.
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