Sleep is good for you and your baby

It is evident that when you’re well rested you’re not only more likely to be in a more positive frame of mind, but you also profit from a host of other benefits.

However, just as you appreciate getting sufficient shut-eye, growing babies and children also need enough sleep for their healthy development.

Sleep as important as food

While everyone needs rest, sleep is especially important for your baby. In fact research shows that babies need twice as much sleep as adults. This is due to the fact that brain development takes place during their sleep.

The amount of sleep a baby has will affect his moods, alertness, and ability to concentrate and participate in his environment. Quality periods of sleep are just as important to your baby as the nourishment he gets.

Linked to brain development

Research has highlighted the importance of sleep in the development of a baby’s central nervous system and general baby development. There’s also an indication that a healthy immune system is in part dependent on a baby having a sufficient amount of sleep.

“However, parents should not be anxious about brain development and nervous system functioning if baby does not regularly ‘sleep through the night’ – so long as you do not do anything to enhance poor sleep, baby will be just fine. Invest in your own ability to relax as this will help your baby or toddler to relax too and have a far more peaceful sleep,” says Sister Lillian, Pampers Institute and renowned parenting expert.

The only way your baby switches off

While your baby is awake every sound and motion is a new experience which requires physical and mental energy to process, as he hasn’t yet learnt how to block out sounds and movements that he doesn’t want to have to deal with. The only way for your baby to completely switch off and recharge and undergo proper baby development is to sleep. This state offers him sanctuary from his physical and social environment.

Deep sleep versus active sleep

When babies are asleep we tend to presume they are in a simple state of rest. In fact babies have two pre-set sleep cycles – deep sleep and active sleep. These rotate in cycles of around 60 minutes during your baby’s sleep periods

During active sleep (REM or rapid eye movement sleep) you may see your baby twitch, smile or flutter his eyes open. This is because although he looks peaceful, there is a tremendous amount of activity going on within the brain as it undergoes baby development. Your baby’s body is relaxed, but his mind is very alert.

When babies sleep a deep sleep (NREM or Non–REM sleep) no-one is totally sure what is going on in your baby’s brain. Some experts suggest that this is when brain development is taking place, when the deeper section of brain continues to develop and make connections.

Amount of sleep depends on baby’s nature

Babies differ one from another, just like adults. One needs to be clear that the only good way to build an acceptable sleep routine is to take a baby’s individual nature into account. Rather than following a prescribed routine, build one around your child’s patterns. Observe your baby carefully in the initial days and weeks of life, as this will give you a good idea about her sleep needs and other patterns.

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