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The surprising truth about baby sleep

2023-01-12 17:39:05Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The surprising truth about baby sleep
The surprising truth about baby sleep

Why doesn't my child sleep through the night? This is as true a question as it is difficult to answer without understanding the science behind sleep. In this article we'll cover the impact poor sleep has on your baby's development, what the circadian rhythm is, and how sleep isn't just a continuous block of dreams, but rather a roller coaster of stages.

HOW DOES SLEEP (OR ITS LACK) AFFECT CHILD DEVELOPMENT?

While there is no clear answer as to why we sleep, scientists have discovered many sleep-related benefits that are essential for the proper functioning of our brains and bodies. Sleep is the time when our bodies restore what was lost during the day and carry out activities to prepare for a new one, including tissue repair, protein synthesis and growth hormone release. Healthy sleep is extremely important for the proper development and growth of your child.

While it may seem like they're getting all the sleep they need, because you're doing your part to make sure they're rocking, feeding, dancing, etc. To sleep every time they wake up, they are actually experiencing poor sleep.

Think about when you have a bad night's sleep. You usually characterize this as "I woke up every hour" or "I had so much trouble staying asleep last night." This is what your baby (and their developing brain and body) is experiencing when they are unable to transition from one sleep cycle to another without specific support.

WHAT IS THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM AND SLEEP PERIOD?

Our circadian rhythm is basically our body's internal clock that controls when it's time to sleep and when it's time to be awake. Our natural sleep/wake cycle is largely driven by light and dark. When it's dark our bodies produce melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall asleep and stay asleep.

In turn, when light passes through our eye, we send a signal to our hypothalamus, which then signals our body to suppress melatonin and produce cortisol instead, allowing us to stay awake all day.

However, we are all born with an underdeveloped circadian rhythm, which is why newborns experience day/night confusion. It's not until around 3 months of age that your baby will have a fully developed circadian rhythm, so sleep by this time is often erratic and unpredictable.

Additionally, there is something else that controls our need for sleep called homeostatic sleep pressure. Sleep pressure is highest in the evening and lowest in the morning. When the pressure is high, falling asleep is easy. However, when it is low, it can be very difficult to get your baby to sleep.

So if you have a child who experiences early morning awakenings or has trouble falling asleep during the day for naps and seems to protest more loudly during these times than before bedtime, his/her sleep pressure is to blame. Cutting down on time isn't easy, but it's possible with the right wake-up times, schedules, and routines.

WHAT ARE THE CHILD'S SLEEP STAGES?

There are two types of sleep: REM sleep and non-REM sleep. When born, your baby will only experience these two stages, better known as light sleep and deep sleep. Around 4 months of age, your baby will begin to cycle through all four stages of sleep, stages 1-4 are non-REM and stage 5 is REM sleep.

HERE IS A SUMMARY OF EACH PHASE:

Stage 1 – Very light sleep: Your baby's eyes are heavy and beginning to close. They look sleepy and start to dose.

Stage 2 – Light sleep: Your child seems to be falling asleep, but may be startled very easily by waking. This is why your baby wakes up right after you put him in his crib after he is "rocked to sleep" even though he looks like he is fast asleep.

Stage 3 – Deep Sleep: Your baby's brain waves begin to slow down as they slip into a deep sleep.

Stage 4 – Deeper Sleep : This is where muscle restoration, tissue repair, immune system building and all the other developmental benefits begin.

Stage 5 – REM Sleep: Your baby is now in a light but active state of sleep. REM sleep is where dreaming happens, so their brain is active but their body is still in a paralyzed state.


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