The different sleep phases of babies and toddlers

Healthy and sufficient sleep is crucial for the development of babies and toddlers. Babies and children go through different sleep stages, which change over time. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the different sleep stages so you can better understand your little one's sleep behavior!

1. Are sleep phases the same at every age?

An adult typically goes through about 4-6 sleep cycles per night. Each cycle lasts approximately 90-120 minutes and consists of various sleep stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. REM sleep increases with each cycle repetition.

In comparison, a baby or toddler typically goes through more sleep cycles per night. Newborns typically have shorter sleep cycles of about 50-60 minutes, while older babies and toddlers may have longer cycles of about 60-90 minutes.

It is important to note that the number of sleep cycles and the distribution of sleep phases can vary individually and depend on various factors such as age, development and individual needs.

2. The individual sleep phases and when they occur

Let’s now take a closer look at the individual sleep phases.

• The falling asleep phase:

• The light sleep phase:

Next comes a light sleep phase. During this phase, babies and toddlers are more susceptible to external stimuli such as noises or movements. They may wake up more easily and may be restless. During this phase, they may also dream or move around in bed. This phase repeats shortly before waking/transitioning into the next sleep cycle.

• The deep sleep phase/NON-REM sleep phase:

The deep sleep phase is the most restorative phase of sleep. This is where physical regeneration processes take place. During this phase, babies and toddlers are harder to wake, and their muscles are more relaxed. Deep sleep is important for brain growth and development.

• The REM sleep phase: “Our brain’s training period”

REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement and is the phase in which dreams occur. During REM sleep, brain activity and heart rate are increased. Babies may twitch or act restlessly during this phase. REM sleep is important for cognitive development and learning. This is when our children process impressions and stimuli from the day. The REM sleep phase occurs primarily in the second half of the night. It is important to note that babies and toddlers spend more time in REM sleep than adults. This is necessary due to their rapid development and the learning process. While we adults spend about 20-25% of our sleep in REM mode, babies can spend up to 50% or more in this phase.

When discussing sleep phases, it's important to take a brief look at what's known as sleep architecture. This term refers to the structure of sleep over the course of the night. For example, there are more deep sleep phases in the first half of the night than in the second half. The opposite is true for REM sleep.

3. Why is good sleep important?

The sleep phases of babies and toddlers are not only important for their physical and mental development, but also for their overall well-being. Adequate, high-quality sleep helps them recover better, recharge their batteries, and regulate their emotions.

As parents, we can help ensure our children have a comfortable sleeping environment where they feel safe and secure. Many children also benefit from a regular sleep routine. This helps children relax. For example, a warm bath, reading a story, listening to calming music, and cuddling together are all good ways to do this.

When choosing routines and procedures, it's important to always consider your child's individual needs. Some children may need more time to fall asleep or have special sleep needs, such as a nightlight or a stuffed animal. Be patient, even if something doesn't work out.

It's normal for babies and toddlers to wake up at night or sleep more restlessly. This may be due to hunger, thirst, or a need for closeness. It's important to pay attention to and respond to your child's cues.

Overall, it's important for us parents to understand that babies' and toddlers' sleep patterns can change over time. What works for a newborn may not be appropriate for a toddler. It takes patience and adaptability to meet the child's sleep needs as they grow.

It's important to remember that every child has their own sleep pattern. Some need more sleep than average, others less. Some children are early risers, while others like to sleep in. It's important to respect your child's natural sleep habits and give them enough time to sleep.

Guest article by Katharina von Massow from Kathis kleine Nachteule
Instagram: katies_kleine_nachteule

Website: www.katies-kleine-nachteule.de