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Active sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle tone changes. In newborns, active sleep is particularly important for their development. We know active sleep is something parents are curious about, so we put together this blog as a crash course. Here’s what you need to know about active sleep in newborns.

 

What is Active Sleep?

⭐️ Characteristics

During active sleep, a baby’s eyes move rapidly under closed eyelids, and their breathing becomes irregular and sometimes faster. Muscle tone can fluctuate, and they may make sucking or rooting motions, as if they are feeding.

⭐️ Importance

Active sleep is crucial for a baby’s brain development. It’s during this stage that the brain processes information and consolidates memories. It’s also a time when the baby’s nervous system is developing and maturing.

 

Why Does Active Sleep Happen?

⭐️ Brain Development

Active sleep is a reflection of the baby’s developing brain. The brain is very active during this stage, and it’s believed that this is when the brain is working to organize the day’s experiences and learning.

⭐️ Nervous System Development

The rapid eye movements and other bodily movements during active sleep are thought to be related to the development of the nervous system.

 

What Are Some Best Practices for Parents Regarding Active Sleep?

⭐️ Create a Safe Sleep Environment

Since newborns spend a significant portion of their sleep in active sleep, it’s crucial to ensure their sleep environment is safe. Babies should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, and their sleep area should be free of loose bedding, pillows, and soft toys to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

⭐️ Respect Sleep Cycles

Newborns have shorter sleep cycles, with active sleep making up roughly 50% of each sleep cycle. One full sleep cycle in a newborn 0-3 or 4 months of age, typically occurs in cycles of 20-40 minutes. Parents should respect these natural sleep cycles and not disturb the baby unnecessarily during active sleep.

⭐️ Be Prepared for Feeding

Since active sleep can sometimes precede feeding, parents should be prepared to feed their baby when they show signs of waking up, such as rooting or sucking motions.

⭐️ Stay Calm and Supportive

If your baby is in active sleep and making movements or noises, it’s important to remain calm and not overreact. Babies can sense your anxiety, which can disturb their sleep.

⭐️ Seek Professional Advice

If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep patterns or if you suspect that their active sleep is disrupting their overall sleep or development, you may want to seek additional advice and support. The trusted team of sleep specialists at The Early Weeks is here to provide the professional advice and support you need to get you and your baby through tough sleep challenges.

In Conclusion

Active sleep is a normal and essential part of a newborn’s sleep cycle. By understanding and supporting your baby’s active sleep needs, you can help them develop and grow in a healthy way.

About The Author: Katie has over 25 year experience working with children of all ages. As an Advanced Newborn Care Specialist & Infant/Pediatric Sleep Consultant she has supported families and babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served 200+ families and holds 16,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies.

The Early Weeks Contact

The content contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of any medical professional. It is based on our opinions and experience working with newborns and their families. Other’s opinions may vary. It does not represent the views of any affiliated organizations. The reader understands that the term “Babynurse” is often a word used to describe a newborn caregiver. However, unless otherwise disclosed, we are not licensed nurses in any state. By reading and/or utilizing any information or suggestions contained in this blog, the reader acknowledges that we are not medical professionals and agrees to and waives any claim, known or unknown, past, present or future. This blog may contain affiliate links.
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