We all know sleep is good. It feels good, our bodies crave it. But do we know how good it is for our bodies? Sometimes, we get caught up in the “things are manageable” cycle. Getting by on minimum amounts of sleep is actually harmful. I always tell parents that if you’re tired, I guarantee your child is also tired.
The Science Behind Sleep and Development
1. Brain Development During Sleep
Our tiny babies are miracles. Their little bodies change so quickly during the first few months that you can almost see the daily changes. Most of the work is done while sleeping, which is why newborns sleep so much! During sleep, the brain consolidates learning and memory, processes experiences, and forms neural connections. According to research, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which accounts for 50% of a newborn sleep cycle, is critical for brain development. During REM sleep, the brain processes sensory experiences and builds the neural pathways necessary for motor skills and cognitive functions.
2. Physical Growth During Sleep
My oldest child stopped growing at 11 years old. We had no idea what was happening. She had always been small, but at 11, she had not grown in over a year. We did all the medical things to check her hormones, bone density, and general health. She was a healthy kid.
She eeked out a few more inches over the next 4 years, and when she was 16, she was diagnosed with pediatric sleep apnea, which had been missed by 5 other doctors. She had a procedure done to clear out a nasal polyp and remove her adenoids, and once she was able to get the oxygen her brain needed during sleep, she grew an additional 3 inches in less than a year.
Growth hormone, essential for physical development, is primarily secreted during deep sleep. This hormone stimulates growth and cell reproduction, aiding in the development of muscles and bones. Adequate sleep ensures that babies get the right amount of growth hormone, supporting their ability to reach physical milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking.
Developmental Milestones and Sleep
As a sleep consultant, I talk to many parents about “sleep regressions”.” A sleep regression is a time when your child, who was sleeping well, stops sleeping well. After the 4-month sleep regression, most of these disturbances are due to growth and development.
1. Rolling Over
Rolling over is one of infants’ first significant motor milestones, usually between 4 to 6 months. When babies learn to roll over, they typically sleep on their bellies. Ensure you have transitioned out of arms in a swaddle so they can use their arms to push off the mattress in their sleep. It’s normal for babies to wake up frustrated and stuck when they flip onto their bellies. Practice during the day is beneficial.
2. Sitting Up
Sitting up requires strong neck, back, and core muscles, which typically develop around 6 to 9 months. During sleep, muscle repair and growth occur, facilitating the development of the strength needed for sitting. At this age, naps are crucial! Two set naps a day, each lasting 1.5-2 hours, are normal.
3. Crawling
Crawling usually occurs between 7 and 10 months and involves coordinated movements of the arms and legs. Sleep enhances the brain’s ability to coordinate this critical skill. Babies well rested and feeding well during the day can crawl sooner.
4. Walking
Walking is a complex milestone that typically occurs around the age of 12 to 15 months. It requires balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Studies have shown that babies who get regular, quality sleep are more likely to develop the necessary skills for walking on time. Sleep helps consolidate motor skills learned during the day, making it easier for babies to take their first steps.
Tips for Helping Babies Meet Milestones
1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine
If there’s one thing I tell every family I work with, it’s BE CONSISTENT. Consistency is your best friend. Children thrive on consistency, especially when significant changes are being made in their bodies or environment.
2. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment
Ensure your baby’s sleep environment is quiet, dark, and cool. An ideal sleeping environment includes a comfortable crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, a white noise machine, and blackout curtains.
3. Encourage Daytime Physical Activity
Spending a few minutes at a time during the day with your baby in age-appropriate physical activities can promote better sleep at night. Tummy time, guided rolling, and supported sitting can help your baby master these skills faster with less sleep disruption, which is a win/win.
4. Be Patient and Supportive
If I have learned nothing from my four children and the hundreds of families I’ve worked with as a sleep consultant and parent coach, it’s that every single child is different. We can have a general plan, but my job is to meet you and your child where you are and give you tools for your specific goals and family plans.
If you feel stuck and don’t know how to help your little one get to sleep, they need to book a free sleep assessment with me. Don’t wait anymore; it’s time to make some changes.
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