In my work with young children I have often heard the phrase "my baby won't sleep." This statement prompted me into doing research on infants sleeping habits and what affect parents have on their baby's sleep patterns. I was surprised to find out there are very different views on what is the appropriate way to help infants sleep. Two main views kept popping out at me; co-sleeping versus independent sleeping. This article will highlight both these views for parents and caregivers.
In order to properly understand how infants sleep, we have to look at the science of how adults sleep compared to infants. When we fall asleep we go through various stages of sleep. During the deep sleep stages, adults are not prone to awakening, while in REM sleep or rapid eye movement sleep adults tend to wake easily. A normal sleep cycle for an adult can last 90 to 100 minutes. We either wake up or continue to repeat the stages of sleep throughout the night. This is not the case for infants (Dewar2008).
Infants have two very distinct sleep patterns; active sleep and quiet sleep. Compared to the length of adult sleep cycles, infants sleep cycles are much shorter. They last only 50-60 minutes. When a baby first falls asleep he enters active sleep which lasts about 25 minutes. This means he is easily awakened during this time. Perhaps this is why when parents and caregivers attempt to lay the baby in the crib, they wake so easily.
Its important to lay her down after this first 25 minutes to help ensure the baby won't wake. About every 50 minutes, sleeping infants experience arousals which make them prone to waking up. Infants continue these short sleep cycles throughout the night. As infants get older their sleep patterns mature and develop into what we as adults experience. However this does not happen fully until children reach the school-age years (Dewar2008).
The difference between adult sleep and infant sleep amazes me. Infants sleep cycles seem to be so they can awake at any time. This could become frustrating for any parent or caregiver, trying to get some much needed sleep of their own. Why are infants wired this way? Could there be benefits for infants who wake easily? Some research has said yes. SIDS, which we know as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been in some cases linked to an infant's sleep patterns. A study found that infants who roused easier during the night were less likely to die of SIDS due to the fact they would wake before anything should happen (Dewar2008).
Various factors can affect how well or not well an infant sleeps. Some factors are purely organic such as infections, milk allergy, snoring, and acid reflux. Other factors are environmental. These environmental factors, researchers say, we as adults have the power to change. Some factors include; over-stimulating bedtime routines, parental expectations concerning infant sleep, napping late in day or evening, too much activity just before bed, disruptions in family life, and separation anxiety (Dewar2008).
Around six months old, an infant may begin unexpectedly awakening at night after having been able to sleep for longer periods during the night. This can be exasperating for parents and caregivers. They want to know why their baby is suddenly waking up again. This is a common problem and is usually due to separation anxiety. This is a normal part of development for children. At this stage of life an infant's mind cannot grasp that the separation from their primary caregiver is only temporary. This therefore causes the infant anxiety even when going to sleep.
The baby needs to feel secure in her attachments. Feeling secure in her attachments can help the baby have less anxeity about separations. Caregivers can help with this. Spending time during the day comforting and being with the child can help her feel secure. At nighttime, being there to comfort and soothe your baby with a gentle pat or reassuring soft words can also help her feel more secure. Choose a consistent bedtime routine. Do not fill it with lots of activity that may over-stimulate the baby, causing her difficulty in falling asleep. Pick quiet activities such as reading a book, or rocking with a favorite teddy Lucile).
A study was done highlighting how being emotionally receptive to children can decrease the amount of sleep disturbances children may experience. The study looked at the behavior of mothers during infant's bedtimes. They found that infants whose mothers were receptive to their emotional cues in a positive way had less disturbances during the night than infants who did not experience this. The study suggested that more important than a bedtime routine, was the ability of the parents or caregivers to be emotionally available to their child (Penn2010).
There are two main practices that are commonly seen throughout the world concerning infants and sleep. One practice is co-sleeping. This is where the infant sleeps either in the parents bed or in the same room. A study done at the University of California by Dr. James J. McKenna and Dr. Sarah Mosko, looked at the physiological effects of co-sleeping mothers on their babies. This study found that the breathing, sleeping and arousal patterns of these mothers were very similar to their babies. More work is needed in this study to understand what effects this actually may have on infants (McKenna 1993).
The other main practice is known as independent sleeping. Independent sleeping is where the infant normally sleeps in an entirely different room from the parents or caregivers. This has become a common practice in Western society. Researchers in favor of this sleep practice assert that infants should learn to fall asleep on their own and be able to self soothe. They claim this will ensure the infant will become more independent and self sufficient (Dewar2008).
There are some criticisms to this approach. Some researchers feel that the approach is more for the convenience of the parents rather than in the child's best interest. They argue in fact that there is no proven research showing the child will be more independent (Mckenna 1993).
The possible benefits of infant-parent cosleeping or being in close proximity with the infant may help prevent SIDs because the mother will be able to notice changes in the infant's breathing. Many cultures feel that it is necessary for the infant to sleep with or close to the mother. Some criticisms to this approach are that it will become a bad habit for the child to sleep near the mother and he won't be able to sleep on his own. He may become too dependent upon the mother (McKenna 1993).
These two practices seem to be riddled with controversy. There is growing debate as to what the proper approach to infant sleep should be. Both practices are culturally linked. Neither approach is the right or wrong approach. Parents must choose for themselves what feels right for them and their baby.
Resources
Dewar, Gwen. "Baby Sleep Patterns: A Guide for the Science-minded Parent." Parenting Science. 2008. Web. Oct. 2010.
"For Infant Sleep, Receptiveness More Important than Routine." Penn State Live. The Pennsylvania State University, 10 Aug. 2010. Web. Oct. 2010.
"Infant Sleep." Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Web. Oct. 2010.
McKenna, James J. "Cultural Influences on Infant Sleep." Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory. The University of Notre Dame, 2000. Web. Oct. 2010
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Heather Sparrow - My name is Heather and I am 24 years old. I have always loved writing and dreamed of making a career of it. However, the people around me ...
Join the Conversation