A sleep cycle is a repeating pattern of lighter and deeper sleep. Babies' cycles are shorter than adults', at around 40 to 60 minutes, and it is normal for them to stir or briefly wake at the end of each cycle.
Key takeaways
- Newborns move between active and quiet sleep.
- Adult-like sleep stages develop from around 3 to 4 months.
- Some babies link cycles on their own; others need help to resettle.
What you can do
- Pause before going in when your baby stirs; they may resettle.
- Keep the sleep space dark and quiet.
