Sleep Begins Before We Are Born
From about 25 weeks of pregnancy, a fetus spends virtually all its time in active dream sleep, known as REM sleep (the lightest level of sleep). As a fetus approaches full term and for about two months after birth, the time spent in REM sleep remains around 50%. This is a stark contrast to adults, who typically spend only 25% of their sleep in REM.
Since REM sleep occurs at the end of a sleep cycle and is often followed by waking, newborns can have difficulty staying asleep for long stretches. However, if the right conditions are created, a newborn can sleep up to 20 hours within a 24-hour period—a potential blessing for sleep-deprived parents!
The Critical Role of Sleep for Adults
While communities are well-educated about the importance of proper nutrition, sleep is still widely undervalued. Thankfully, this is beginning to change as the medical community grows more vocal about the essential role sleep plays in overall health and well-being. (Side note: there has also been quite a bit of research into dreams and what they mean, here are some interesting facts about dreams, if you are interested!).
Dr. William Dement, founder of the Stanford University Sleep Research Center and author of The Promise of Sleep, has shared groundbreaking research indicating that sleep is the single most important factor in predicting lifespan—more influential than diet, exercise, or even genetics. His research highlights how each stage of sleep, including REM sleep, is vital for brain health, as it helps organize and process the information absorbed throughout the day.
For adults, the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night is critical for:
- Repairing and regenerating the body.
- Enhancing cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
- Reducing the risk of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
Consistently getting fewer than 7 hours of sleep per night can lead to sleep deprivation, which impacts memory, productivity, emotional stability, and physical health. A lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain, weakened immune function, and even postpartum depression for parents.
Sleep Needs Across Ages
It’s important to note that sleep needs vary by age. For example:
- Infants (0–3 months): 16–18 hours per day.
- Babies (3–6 months): Around 15 hours per day.
- Toddlers (6–12 months): About 14 hours per day.
- Young children (1+ years): 12–13 hours per day.
- Adolescents: Roughly 10 hours per night.
- Adults: 7–9 hours per night.
As children grow, the need for sleep decreases, but the importance of quality sleep remains constant. A well-rested child wakes up happy, refreshed, and ready to learn. Inadequate sleep in children, however, can affect mood, attention span, and even physical growth.
The Parent-Child Sleep Connection
When your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s likely that you aren’t either. Sleep deprivation in parents often has serious consequences, from mental health challenges like postpartum depression to physical effects such as weight gain and weakened immune function.
The Bottom Line
Sleep is just as critical as proper nutrition and a stable home environment—for both children and adults. It influences everything from mood and energy levels to long-term health outcomes.
We help entire families reset. Together, we can work toward creating healthy sleep habits that benefit your children—and you. Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for a happy, healthy life.
To get started on a journey to great sleep..
