Understanding the concept of sleep cycles in infants from "summary" of The Baby Sleep Book by Martha Sears,James Sears,William Sears,Robert W. Sears
Understanding the concept of sleep cycles in infants is essential for parents who are trying to establish healthy sleep habits for their little ones. Infants have shorter sleep cycles than adults, typically lasting around 50-60 minutes. During these cycles, babies move through different stages of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. As babies grow older, the length of their sleep cycles gradually increases, allowing them to sleep for longer periods at a time. However, it is important to note that every baby is different, and some may naturally have shorter or longer sleep cycles than others. Babies often wake up between sleep cycles, especially during the night. This is a normal part of infant sleep and does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Understanding and anticipating these wake-ups can help parents respond to their baby's needs more effectively. By paying attention to their baby's sleep cues and patterns, parents can help their little ones get the rest they need to grow and develop properly. Creating a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment can also support healthy sleep habits in infants.- Understanding the concept of sleep cycles in infants can help parents navigate the ups and downs of baby sleep more easily. By being patient, attentive, and responsive to their baby's needs, parents can help their little ones establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.