My sister just had a baby, and she’s constantly worried about whether the baby is sleeping too much or not enough. I want to give her some reliable information, but I’m finding conflicting answers online. Considering that newborns sleep a lot, what’s the average or typical range of hours a newborn (0-3 months old) should be sleeping in a 24-hour period? Is there a big variation in sleep patterns between newborns? And what factors, like feeding schedule or temperament, might influence how much a newborn sleeps?
Answer
Newborns typically sleep a lot, but the exact amount varies considerably from baby to baby. On average, a newborn sleeps around 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep as little as 11 hours, while others may sleep up to 19 hours.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Sleep Duration: Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually lasting from 2 to 4 hours at a time.
- Sleep Patterns: Their sleep patterns are irregular, and they don’t follow a typical day-night cycle. This is because their internal body clock (circadian rhythm) is not yet fully developed.
- Age-Related Changes: The amount of sleep a newborn needs gradually decreases as they grow.
- Individual Variation: Each baby has their own unique sleep needs. Some babies are naturally "sleepier" than others.
- Factors Affecting Sleep: Several factors can influence a newborn’s sleep, including:
- Feeding: Hunger is a primary reason why newborns wake up frequently.
- Comfort: A clean diaper, comfortable clothing, and a safe sleep environment can promote better sleep.
- Health: Illness or discomfort can disrupt sleep.
- Environment: Noise, light, and temperature can all affect sleep.
- Developmental Milestones: Growth spurts or developmental leaps can temporarily alter sleep patterns.
- Sleep Cycles: Newborns spend about 50% of their sleep time in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is a light and active sleep stage. Adults spend about 20% of their sleep in REM. This high proportion of REM sleep is important for brain development.
- Awake Windows: Newborns have short awake windows, typically lasting only 30-60 minutes between sleep periods. Overtiredness can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- When to Worry: While variations in sleep are normal, consult a pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, such as:
- Difficulty waking up.
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Breathing problems during sleep.
- Failure to gain weight.
- Other unusual symptoms.
- Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits: While newborns don’t have consistent sleep schedules, parents can start establishing healthy sleep habits early on by:
- Creating a calming bedtime routine.
- Putting the baby down to sleep when they show signs of drowsiness.
- Keeping the sleep environment dark, quiet, and cool.
- Responding to the baby’s needs promptly.
- Promoting daytime wakefulness with activities and exposure to light.
- Safe Sleep Practices: Always place a newborn on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib or bassinet free of soft bedding, toys, and bumpers to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).