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Parents often notice their babies or toddlers tossing, turning, or shifting positions during sleep. While this can seem concerning, it’s usually a natural part of their development. But why do children move so much while sleeping? An expert explains that these movements are linked to how sleep cycles work in young children. From learning self-soothing to adapting to growth spurts, there’s more to nighttime wiggles than meets the eye. Read ahead to explore the science behind sleep movements, as the expert shares practical tips for parents, and reveals how these patterns help kids grow.
Sleep Cycles in Babies
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According to Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj, Pediatrician, Lifetree Healthcare, Mohali, babies’ sleep patterns change significantly after 5-6 months. “At this stage, babies start moving through sleep cycles of 45-60 minutes each,” she explains. Transitioning between these cycles requires a “breach”—a brief pause that helps them shift smoothly into the next phase. “This breach can be anything: breastfeeding, patting, rocking, or even gentle shushing. But parents can’t feed or soothe the baby all night. That’s why nature helps babies slowly learn to self-soothe.”
For example, a baby might manage one sleep cycle independently, and then need help from a parent for the next. “This is why parents notice their child waking up twice a night—once to self-soothe and once to feed,” she adds.
Why Do Kids Move So Much in Their Sleep?
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Dr Bharadwaj highlights four key reasons behind nighttime movements:
- Brain Development: Sleep movements are linked to brain growth. As babies process new skills (like rolling or crawling), their brains rehearse these actions during sleep.
- Learning to Self-Soothe: Movements like thumb-sucking or shifting positions help babies transition between sleep cycles without fully waking up.
- Hunger Cues: Babies often stir when hungry. “A 3-hour sleep stretch is common. They might wake once to feed and once to self-soothe,” says Dr Bharadwaj.
- Growth Spurts: Physical growth during infancy can cause restlessness. “Their bodies are adapting rapidly, which affects sleep,” she explains.
What Research Says About Infant Sleep
A 2022 study in the Journal of Pediatric Sleep Medicine found that 65% of infants aged 6-12 months experience frequent sleep movements. Researchers noted that these movements are crucial for motor skill development and learning to self-regulate. The study also emphasized that parents should avoid over-soothing, as it can delay a child’s ability to sleep independently.
Practical Tips for Parents
Dr Bharadwaj shares actionable advice to support healthy sleep habits:
- Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Baths, lullabies, or dim lighting signal it’s time to sleep.
- Encourage Self-Soothing: Let the baby fuss for a few minutes before intervening. “This builds resilience,” she says.
- Avoid Overfeeding at Night: Stick to scheduled feeds to prevent dependency on milk for sleep.
- Use Gentle Techniques: Patting or soft shushing can help babies transition between cycles without fully waking.
When to Be Concerned
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While most sleep movements are normal, Dr Bharadwaj advises consulting a doctor if:
- The child screams, sweats excessively, or seems in pain.
- Movements are jerky or repetitive (could indicate seizures).
- Sleep disruptions affect daytime behaviour.
Conclusion
Kids move in their sleep for many reasons—growth, brain development, hunger, or learning to self-soothe. As Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj explains, “These movements are a natural part of how babies adapt to the world.” By understanding their sleep cycles and encouraging healthy habits, parents can support their child’s development without unnecessary worry. Remember, a little nighttime wiggling is just a sign of growing up!