1. Babies and Sleep

2. States of Arousal
Throughout the day and night, newborn infants move in and out of five states of arousal, or degrees of sleep and wakefulness.
During the first month, these states alternate frequently. The most fleeting is quiet alertness, which usually moves quickly toward fussing and crying.

3. States of Arousal

4. States of Arousal At Birth
Babies sleep more at night than during the day, their sleep-wake cycles are determined mostly by fullness (verses hunger)
Much to the relief of their fatigued parents, newborns spend the greatest amount of time asleep—about 16 to 19 hours a day

5. States of Arousal Between birth and 2 years
By 2 to 3 months, infants respond more to darkness– light. Babies of this age who are exposed to more bright sunlight. For example, through regular, early afternoon stroller rides, sleep better at night
The average 2-year-old still needs 12 to 13 hours per day.
The greatest changes are that periods of sleep and wakefulness become fewer but longer, and the sleep–wake pattern increasingly conforms to a circadian rhythm, or 24-hour schedule.

6. Two States of Sleep Rapid-Eye-Movement: (REM)
Provides infant with stimulation essential for central nervous system development.
The eyes dart beneath the lids; heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are uneven; and slight body movements occur
WZm5MzO5m8I&feature=related – Baby in REM Sleep

7. Two States of Sleep Non-Rapid-Eye-Movement: (NREM)
The body is almost motionless, and heart rate, breathing, and brain- wave activity are slow and regular.
Newborns alternate between REM and NREM sleep.
REM sleep accounts for 50 percent of the newborn baby’s sleep time. By 3 to 5 years, it has declined to an adult-like level of 20 percent.

8. Cultural Influence on Sleep Patterns
Parent–infant “co-sleeping” is the norm for approximately 90 percent of the world’s population… but not in America. In a 1-2 page paper (12 point font and double space), discuss the pro’s and con’s of both co-sleeping and separate sleeping quarters. Which style do you think you would raise your child on? When do you think is a “good age” for an infant to sleep on their own?