In the very first few weeks of life, a newborn sleeps an average of 16 hours a day. In this phase, the sleep-wake rhythm is rather irregular and individual; therefore, it varies from newborn to newborn and is characterized by a slightly more prolonged wakefulness at night. In fact, during pregnancy, comforted by routine noises, the fetus sleeps when the mother is active; conversely, it tends to wake up as soon as the pregnant woman stretches out for rest.
, causes the biological rhythm of the newborn to oscillate around 3-4 hours, and is well connected to the hunger-satiety cycle. Generally, bottle-fed babies tend to sleep for longer periods than breastfed ones, which may require frequent feedings, up to 12 per day.
Initially, adjusting to these short sleep periods can be quite frustrating for new parents, who tend to hope that the little one will soon learn to sleep longer.
As already said, in this first phase the nutritional needs of the newborn require a frequent repetition of the sleep-wake cycle; for this reason, many pediatricians advise not to let newborns sleep for too long, interrupting "naps" for more than 4-5 hours or 3 hours in case of insufficient weight gain. In any case, it is important that parents adapt to the child respecting his basic needs, without impositions and repressing any too early "educational wishes".
The sleep of newborns, like that of adults, is composed of different stages in terms of intensity and duration. First of all, it is necessary to distinguish a REM phase from a non-REM phase.
Acronym for Rapid Eye Movement (rapid eye movements), REM is a phase of light sleep, studded with dreams and characterized by phasic movements of the limbs, face and body, with irregular breathing and heart rate. During sleep, the newborn is in this REM phase for about 50% of the time, while in older children REM sleep is more contained (it drops to 15% in adults).
Non-REM sleep consists of four stages: sleepiness, light sleep, deep sleep, and very deep sleep. When a newborn is ready to fall asleep, it goes through these four stages in progression, after which it takes the reverse path up to point two and enters the REM sleep stage (1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 3 → 2 → REM). This cycle is repeated several times during rest and implies a certain ease upon awakening in the transition from deep sleep to light sleep.
(belly up) significantly reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Always for the same reason, it is advisable to let the child sleep in a separate cot, avoiding keeping him in bed with his parents. Of course, there should be no objects in the crib and bed that could interfere with the baby's breathing, such as small toys, pillows, duvets, cords, laces, sharp or pointed objects. According to some studies, even bumpers should be avoided. Surfaces that are too soft should also be avoided, while any blankets should reach up to the chest leaving the baby's head well uncovered.
At the first signs of sleep (yawning, rubbing of the eyes, gazing fixedly at the horizon), the newborn should be made to fall asleep in his room, in a comfortable environment that is not too hot (20 ° C), avoiding if possible making him fall asleep in his arms or in other places before putting it in the bed.
With growth, the sleep-wake rhythm of the newborn-infant tends progressively to synchronize with the external environment, orienting itself towards a more prolonged wakefulness during the day and a more lasting sleep at night. suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus in response to a series of external stimuli, first of all the alternation of light / darkness and noise / silence. This physiological process of adaptation can be somewhat accelerated and favored by differentiating the atmosphere of nocturnal sleep from that of daytime rest; at night, for example, the child will be left to sleep in the dark in a quiet environment; stimuli will be reduced even during breastfeeding and diaper change, to be carried out in rooms with dim lights, resisting the temptation to play or talk to the child.
Even the establishment of a sort of ritual for falling asleep can favor the acquisition of these rhythms. A background music while the child is about to fall asleep, can help him identify it is the right time to indulge in a sleep that will be restaurateur also for the mother.
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