As a mom, you'll learn that baby sleep is never predictable, but that every moment of peace and quiet is a treasure to be cherished."

Sleep Regulation and Sleep Promoting Strategies

What is the Circadian rhythm? The circadian rhythm is a 24 hour internal biological clock that regulates many physiological processes such as sleep, metabolism and hormone production. This rhythm is driven by a group of cells in the brain (suprachiasmatic nucleus SCN) in the hypothalamus. This in addition with signals from eyes (day or night) sends signals to other glands (pineal gland) which help in producing melatonin that helps to regulate sleep.  

What is the ultradian rhythm? This is a biological rhythm that occurs for more than once during a 24 hour period. Its cycle being shorter than the circadian rhythm. Ultradian rhythms in humans include cycles of stages in sleep, fluctuations in hormone levels (release of growth hormone, cortisol and insulin) and other cycles of temperature, heart rate and feeding behavior. These cycles are affected by irregular sleep and feeding and have a detrimental affect on overall health. 

The Circadian and Ultradian rhythms of the newborn are different than those of an older child. At birth, the circadian rhythm is not fully established; therefore, sleep can occur easily during the daytime hours as during the night. The normal, healthy full-term born infant sleeps approximately 16 to 18 hours per day. The longest continuous sleep period is 2.5 to 4 hours and the pattern of sleep and wakefulness is irregular. (Katherine Finn Davis RN, March-April 2004 )

Sleep at age 1 to 12 months: 

Between the age within this duration, circadian and ultradian processes begin to develop into more specialized patterns. Sometime during the 2-3 months of a baby’s age, the circadian rhythm emerges. During this growth spurt; sleep is affected by daytime/night-time cycle, sleep/wake cycle, social cues (feeding times, night-time routines). As a mother you can help your baby sleep, develop a better consolidation for sleep in order to establish better sleep and better health for your baby. 

Sleep-promoting strategies: normal, healthy sleep/weak are dependent on consistent daytime and night-time routines that are consistent and match your child’s physiologic and developmental sleep requirements. Sticking to a proper morning wake time, naptimes, feeding/meal time, are of special importance. These routines help consolidate a child’s circadian and physiologic processes and decrease the probability that child will suffer from loss of sleep and negative health. (Katherine Finn Davis RN, March-April 2004 )