Infant sleep
Infant Sleep
Infant sleep (pronunciation: /ˈɪnfənt sliːp/) refers to the sleeping patterns and habits of children between the ages of 0 and 12 months.
Etymology
The term "infant" originates from the Latin word infans, meaning "unable to speak", while "sleep" comes from the Old English slæp.
Understanding Infant Sleep
Infant sleep is a crucial aspect of a child's development and health. It is characterized by multiple sleep cycles throughout a 24-hour period, with the length and frequency of sleep varying as the child grows. Infants typically sleep for a total of 14 to 17 hours a day during the first three months, gradually decreasing to 12 to 16 hours by the age of 4 to 11 months.
Sleep Stages
Infant sleep consists of two primary stages: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep, also known as active sleep, is when dreaming occurs. NREM sleep, also known as quiet sleep, is a deeper, more restful stage of sleep.
Sleep Patterns
Infant sleep patterns differ significantly from adult sleep patterns. Infants spend more time in REM sleep and their sleep cycles are shorter. Their sleep is also more evenly distributed across the day and night, unlike adults who typically sleep in one consolidated block overnight.
Related Terms
- Sleep regression: A period when a baby who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking at night, and/or skipping naps.
- Sleep training: The process of helping a baby learn to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
- Co-sleeping: A practice where parents and infants sleep in close proximity, either in the same bed or in the same room.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infant sleep
- Wikipedia's article - Infant sleep
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