Sleep disturbances in newborns

Problems with sleep in newborns (0-3 months)

Expectations that a newborn will peacefully sleep in its crib are one of the biggest myths that clash with reality. An infant's sleep is radically different from an adult's sleep. Understanding the physiology of newborn sleep will help you perceive the situation adequately, avoid disappointment, and create comfortable and safe conditions for the child's rest.

Infant sleep architecture

A newborn's sleep has several key characteristics:

• Short sleep cycles: A newborn's sleep cycle lasts only 45-60 minutes.
• Predominance of active sleep phase: About 50% of an infant's sleep is spent in the active phase, during which they may move and make sounds.
• Need for frequent feedings: A newborn's stomach is very small, so they need food every 2-3 hours.
• Lack of circadian rhythms: The internal "clock" that distinguishes day from night is not yet set.

The most important task for parents is to ensure the child's safety during sleep to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).