Greendigo’s Sleep Fairy Is at Your Service!
We’re back with blankie talk.
Are you ready to get warm and cosy?
Because today’s post is all about those sleep cycles and patterns.
In our previous blog in the serene sleep series, we gave you 7 tips to help your baby drift off to peaceful sleep.
Today, we’ll delve into how you can establish a successful sleep schedule.
We’ve spoken to sleep specialists.
But our secret is in having conversations with real mamas who’ve experienced it all, and are happy to share their insights.
What is a sleep pattern?
A sleep pattern refers to different aspects of sleep i.e., schedule, rhythm, cycle, phase.
When it comes to newborns, they typically sleep for shorter periods (anywhere between 20 minutes to 120 minutes) of time.
They do not have a regular sleep schedule, as yet, and will wake up frequently to feed.
They will also sleep at any time of the day or night.
Make sure to pay close attention to the signs of sleep readiness, which will include:
- Droopy eyelids
- Rubbing of the eyes
- Pulling of the ears
- Twirling of the hair
- Yawning
- Crying
- Fussiness
Please note – In those first few weeks, your baby will be asleep most of the time, with only a couple of hours of wakefulness. By the 6-to-8-week mark, they will start settling into a routine, as well as depicting signs of readiness.
What is a sleep cycle?
A sleep cycle describes patterns of wakefulness and sleep in a given period of time, most commonly, 24 hours.
When it comes to a newborn sleep cycle, there are typically two types - active and quiet.
Active, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement), is when your baby tosses around frequently and makes noise.
Quiet, referred to as non-REM, is when your baby sleeps more deeply and silently.
What are the stages of a sleep cycle?
According to experts, there are five stages that make up your little one’s sleep cycle.
In the first one, your newborn feels drowsy and drifts off to sleep.
The second one is all about that active or REM sleep phase.
The third stage describes light sleep, which is somewhere between active and quiet.
Stages four and five speak of non-REM sleep, or quiet sleep.
How do you set up a sleep routine?
Follow these simple steps and ease into a routine, a lose one at first, followed by a more grounded one.
- Track your baby’s sleep patterns and cycles: Understand signs of sleep readiness
- Create a conducive environment for sleep: Tune the room temperature and lights
- Avoid over stimulation before bed time: Keep then away from sound and activity
- Encourage self-soothing: Turn to a pacifier or toy
- Monitor your baby’s sleep progress: Use a baby monitor or check-in physically
The more your baby sleeps, the more you sleep.
The more you sleep, the better you’ll be able to look after your baby.
Develop a healthy sleep routine, so that both of you are well rested, peaceful and content.
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