Newborns sleep; Being a new parent is a beautiful experience, but it also comes with several challenges that can leave you overwhelmed and exhausted. One of the common challenges is dealing with the baby’s sleep pattern. You may have noticed that your newborn sleeps for the most part of the day, especially during the first few weeks of life. While this may seem strange, it is a natural and normal occurrence.
In this blog post, I will explore the reasons why newborns sleep the most during the day.
A Developmental Necessity – Newborns Sleep
Newborn babies, with their bodies and brains developing rapidly, require ample sleep to support their growth and development. Throughout the day, as they slumber, their brains diligently process the new information absorbed during their waking hours. Remarkably, it is during the first year of life that their brains undergo the most rapid development, further emphasizing the critical role of sleep in fostering proper brain maturation.
Circadian Rhythms
One of the reasons why newborns tend to sleep more during the day is due to the underdeveloped nature of newborn internal clocks. Circadian rhythms, which are responsible for regulating sleep patterns in the body, are not yet established in newborns. As a result, they find it challenging to distinguish between day and night.
Consequently, newborns tend to allocate most of their sleeping hours for the daytime and experience periods of wakefulness during the night. This temporary imbalance in their sleep-wake cycle gradually adjusts as their internal clock matures over time.
Feeding and Digestion – Newborns Sleep
Newborns, with their tiny stomachs have specific feeding needs. Due to their limited capacity, they require frequent feeding intervals to ensure proper nourishment. This means feeding every few hours throughout the day. After being fed, it is common for babies to feel sleepy as a result. The increase in daytime sleep is a natural adaptation for them. Furthermore, considering their still maturing newborn digestive systems, infants may experience occasional discomfort and find solace in frequent sleep, as it helps manage any potential discomfort they may encounter.
Comfort and Security
Being born is a big transition from the womb to the outside world. During this transition, your newborn may find comfort and security, in sleep. Sleeping frequently during the day is a way for the baby to cope with the overwhelming changes in the environment. Newborns may sleep more if they are feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or when there is a lot of activity going on around them.
Temperature and Sunlight
Another factor that may contribute to newborns sleeping more during the day is the higher temperatures and sunlight levels that are typically present during daytime hours. When the weather gets warmer and daytime temperatures rise, you may notice that your baby tends to sleep more. This is because newborns are particularly sensitive to bright light, and the increased sunlight during the day can make them feel drowsy. As a result, their sleep patterns may shift, with more daytime napping occurring during the warmer months.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is normal for newborns to sleep for most of the day. As explained above, this sleep pattern is necessary for their development and adjustment to the outside world. The good news is that as the baby grows, so does their newborn circadian rhythm, and they begin to sleep for longer periods at night.
As a parent, you can establish some habits to help the baby during this transition, such as setting a consistent sleep routine, creating the right sleeping environment, and keeping daytime naps as short as possible. Understanding why newborns sleep the most during the day will help you cope with this stage better and appreciate the importance of sleep for your baby’s proper growth and development.
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