Baby sleep is one of the most important Parents' concerns. In the first months of life, babies have an irregular sleep pattern that can lead to parental fatigue. In this article, we will examine the scientific methods to regulate the baby's sleep.
The importance of sleep in baby development
Sleep plays a very important role in the physical and mental development of babies. In this section, we discuss some key aspects of the importance of sleep in the development of a baby:
1. Brain growth and learning
During sleep, the baby's brain is highly active and new neural connections are formed. This process helps to strengthen memory and learning. In deep sleep, babies process new information and consolidate skills learned during the day.
2. Growth hormone secretion
The greatest amount of growth hormone is secreted during sleep, especially deep sleep. This hormone is necessary for the growth of bones, muscles and body tissues. Lack of sleep can lead to disruption in the baby's physical development.
3. Strengthening the immune system
Sufficient sleep strengthens the baby's immune system. During sleep, the body gets a chance to fight infections and diseases. Babies who have enough sleep are less prone to infectious diseases.
4. regulating mood and behavior
regular sleep helps to regulate the mood and reduce irritability of the baby. Babies who don't get enough sleep may be restless, irritable, or have a harder time calming down.
5. Creating the foundations of long-term health
Studies have shown that healthy sleep patterns during infancy can affect long-term health. Adequate sleep during this period helps to reduce the possibility of problems such as obesity, diabetes and mental disorders in the future.
6. Strengthening parent-child relationship
When the baby has enough sleep, parents also get enough time to rest. This topic helps to improve the quality of parent-child relationships and reduce parental stress.
Why is the baby's sleep irregular?
The sleep of babies in the first months of life is naturally irregular. This issue is due to several biological and behavioral reasons, which are explained below:
1. The lack of development of the biological clock (Circadian Rhythm)
The biological clock of the body is responsible for regulating the sleep and wake cycle based on day and night. In newborns, this system is not yet fully developed. Instead of following the 24-hour cycle of day and night, babies' sleep pattern is more dependent on the need for nutrition and growth.
Normally, the biological clock starts to adjust from about 2 to 3 months old and babies can recognize the difference between night and day.
2. Frequent nutritional needs
Babies need frequent feeding in the first months, because their small stomachs cannot store food for a long time. This makes them wake up every few hours to feed, even during the night.
3. Shorter sleep cycles
Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults. Each of their sleep cycles usually lasts between 50 and 60 minutes, compared to about 90 minutes in adults. These short cycles include more periods of light sleep, which makes the baby wake up easily.
4. Rapid brain and body growth
During infancy, rapid brain and body growth occurs. This growth requires continuous energy and nutrition and can lead to more interruptions in sleep.
5. Environmental factors
Newborn babies are not yet used to the environment outside the womb. Environmental factors such as light, sounds and room temperature can affect their sleep and cause frequent awakenings.
6. Individual differences
Each baby has a unique sleep pattern. Some babies are naturally quieter sleepers, while others wake more often and require more care.
Solutions to adjust the baby's sleep
1. Creating a consistent sleep schedule
Set a regular schedule for sleeping and waking up the baby. For example, put the baby to sleep at a certain time every night.
2. Differentiation of night and day
Help the baby recognize the difference between night and day. Keep the room lit and interact with him during the day. At night, dim the ambient light and reduce extra sounds.
3. Soothing bedtime routine
Creating a specific bedtime routine can help your baby know when it's time to sleep. This routine can include a warm bath, a gentle massage or reading a lullaby. 4. Suitable environmental conditions
Keep the baby's room temperature moderate (between 20-22 degrees Celsius). Use a suitable and standard mattress and make the room as dark as possible.
5. Nutrition Timing
Proper nutrition can help you sleep better. Babies who are hungry usually do not sleep easily. Ensure adequate nutrition before sleep.
Common mistakes in regulating baby's sleep
1. Keeping the baby awake too much
Many parents think that if they keep their baby awake for a longer period of time, they will sleep better at night. But this usually backfires. Tired babies become overly irritable and restless and have difficulty falling asleep.
2. Dependence on certain methods of sleeping
Dependence of the baby on certain methods such as continuous rocking, breastfeeding until bedtime or sleeping in arms can be problematic. These methods make the baby unable to fall asleep on his own and need the help of parents.
3. Ignoring Signs of Tiredness
Every baby has specific signs of tiredness, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or looking away. Ignoring these symptoms and delaying bedtime can cause restlessness and make it harder to sleep.
4. Excessive use of electronic devices in the environment
Using devices such as mobile phones, tablets or television near the baby can disturb his sleep cycle. The blue light of these devices reduces the production of melatonin (sleep hormone) and makes it difficult to fall asleep.
5. Not distinguishing night and day
If the baby does not understand the difference between night and day, he may sleep and wake up at inappropriate times. Keeping the environment bright during the day and darkening the room at night helps to regulate his body's biological clock.
6. Constant change in sleep schedule
Consistency in the sleep schedule is very important for babies. If the time of sleeping and waking up changes continuously, the baby cannot follow a regular pattern and will suffer from sleep disorders.
7. Putting the baby to sleep in crowded or inappropriate environments
The baby's sleeping environment should be calm, dark and free of disturbing factors. Putting the baby to sleep in crowded or bright environments can disturb his sleep.
8. Ignoring the need for night feeding
Some parents try to keep the baby without feeding all night. While in the early months, babies need night feeding and ignoring this need can cause restlessness and frequent awakening.
9. Sleeping the baby in an inappropriate place
Using inappropriate places such as a sofa or car seat for a long-term sleep of the baby can be dangerous and not provide him with quality sleep. The best place for a baby to sleep is a safe bed with appropriate standards.
When should we consult a doctor?
If your baby has persistent sleep problems or does not seem to be getting enough sleep, it is best to consult a pediatrician. Some medical problems such as gastric reflux or colic may affect the baby's sleep.
Conclusion
Adjusting the baby's sleep requires patience and following the correct methods. By creating a regular schedule, providing the right conditions and following the recommendations, you can help your baby sleep better. Remember that every baby is unique and may have special needs.
Resources
Anders, T. F., Halpern, L. F., & Hua, J. (1992). Sleeping through the night: A developmental perspective. Pediatrics, 90(4), 554-560.
Galland, B. C., Taylor, B. J., Elder, D. E., & Herbison, P. (2012). Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: A systematic review of observational studies. Journal of Sleep Research, 21(3), 243-262.
- Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. A. (2015). A clinical guide to pediatric sleep: Diagnosis and management of sleep problems. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Mindell, J. A., Telofski, L. S., Wiegand, B., & Kurtz, E. S. (2009). A review of the effectiveness of bedtime routines for young children and infants. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 13(4), 275-285.
- Moon, R. Y., Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (2016). SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Evidence base for 2016 updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162938.
Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D’Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., … & Wise, M. S. (2016). Consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on the recommended amount of sleep for healthy children: Methodology and discussion. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(11), 1549-1561.
