new-born-sleeping

A new born baby usually spends most of the time in 24 hours sleeping only waking for feedings in every few hours. For the birth to first 3 months, they generally sleep around 8-18 hours a day. Then it gradually decreases to around 8- 12 hours a day as the baby grows older.  Every baby sleep pattern can be different from that of other baby so the parents shouldn’t concern themselves with comparing the sleep patterns but if there is something unusual i.e., if the baby is sleeping longer than their usual routine, in that case it might be a signal to the underlying fever, illness or other health issues and the parents should seek proper medical attention. Since a new born doesn’t know the difference between day and night sleep schedule or their brain is not developed enough to comprehend day and night sleep cycle, they sleep during both, the day and night. They usually start to get aware about this routine around 6 weeks and by the age of 12 months, they start to adapt to this routine. The parents can also help in this process by exposing them to the light and playing with them during the day and provide a quite environment for sleeping at night. New-born babies are known to sleep known to sleep in short bursts, lasting around 2-4 hours at a time. They need frequent feeding and changing.  New born sleep cycle   A new born baby have 2 different types of sleep cycle. These are Active Sleep: During the active sleep, a new born usually show irregular shallow breathing, make noises and lots of movements. They can easily wake up during the active sleep phase. From the birth to around first 12 weeks, the baby usually spends most of their ‘sleeping time’ in active sleep. The amount of their active sleep slowly starts to reduce after that.  Quite Sleep: During quiet sleep, a baby is still and shows deep and even breathing. They don’t easily wake up during the quiet sleep.  A new born sleep cycle involves both active sleep and quiet sleep and these cycles are generally around 40 minutes.   Settling the new born: things to follow After each cycle, a new born baby usually wakes up crying and the parents can settle them back to sleep by holding the baby in the arms or swaddling the baby in a receiving blanket and gently rocking, patting, swaying and singing before putting them in their cot for sleeping.

Babies refer to children who are aged between 2 to 12 months old. Most babies under six months of age still require feeding and help to settle in the night. As they grow older, they need less sleeping time and more of their sleep will be focused in the night.  Babies are very possessive and always require someone to tend to them and care for while they are awake. Developments like crawling and anxiety from the thought of being separated can affect their sleep, mostly in babies over six months of age. At such a tender age they need sleep to grow and develop well. But each babies’ sleep can vary from the other of the same age, just as the sleep of adults can vary from person to person. Your baby’s mood and wellbeing are a great indicator to know whether your baby is getting enough sleep or not. If they seem to cry a lot and in an irritated mood, well the answer is obviously clear. If they are wakeful and contented, you are doing a great job and they are getting a proper sleep. SLEEP CHANGES As your baby grows older, they: Sleep less in the daytime Have longer and contented night sleeps without much waking up at night Are awake for longer duration between two naps Needs overall less sleep 2-3 MONTHS: EXPECTATION At this age, babies sleep on and off during the day and night, and sleep for about 24-27 hours in the entire day. Younger babies sleep in cycles of 50-60 minutes which consists of active and quiet sleep. They move around and grunt in their active sleep but are in deep slumber in the quiet sleep. At the end of each cycle they wake up and may cry, calling for someone to make them settle for the next sleep cycle. Soon they start developing day and night sleep patterns and they tend to start sleeping more during the night AROUND 3 MONTHS: EXPECTATION Their sleep patterns in day and night are still in development phase and their sleep consists of: Light sleep – when they wake up easily Deep sleep – when they are very still and sound asleep Dream sleep – when they are dreaming Their sleep cycles also get longer which means less waking up and resettling during sleep. Some babies might regularly be having longer sleep at night – for example, 4-5 hours. 3-6 MONTHS: EXPECTATION At this age, their sleep during the entire day reduces normally by 3-4 hours. They might start developing sleep pattern of 2-3 daytime naps of couple of hours each. Night time sleeps get longer at this age. Some babies after they are 6 months old can have long sleeps of 6 hours at night. But it is still a high possibility that your baby wakes up at least once each night. 6-12 MONTHS: EXPECTATION By the time your baby is about a year old, they will probably sleep for 11-14 hours every day. Their night time sleeps will be considerably longer but sleeping during the day still persists. 2-3 daytime naps of 30 minutes to 2 hours is common.  You must make your baby ready for bed by 6-8 pm and they take less than half an hour to settle for sleep, but some babies may take even longer. At this age, their sleep cycle gets closer to n adult’s which means less waking up at night. So, after a long-time parent can also enjoy a good night’s sleep and your baby will not trouble you at all. But exceptions are always there, so, it is not out of the ordinary that your child might still wake up, maybe not in daily basis, but you are required to settle them and get them to sleep again. FACTORS AFFECTING SLEEP From around the time your baby is about 6 months old they may develop some abilities that affect their sleep or make them more time to settle: Babies automatically learn to keep themselves awake, especially if something interesting is going on or there is a lot of light or noise in their surroundings. When your babies learn to crawl, there may be settling difficulties. It is fairly noticeable when your child starts to move around their sleep habits change. Babies learn that things are present around them even they are out of the sight. Suppose, you leave their room, your baby may call or cry in order to make you come and assist them. Separation anxiety is when they get upset because their caretakers or parents are not around. It might mean that your baby does not want to sleep and wakes more often than usual in the night time. As they grow up, they learn and adapt, as a result thi anxiety fades off gradually.

School age kids are very young and require proper sleep along with nutrition to keep them healthy. It is very common for kids of this age to sleep for more than ten hours. Usually, children of this age group require 9-11 hours of sleep on a daily basis. Some children quickly fall asleep when they hit their bed, while others sleep lightly, fidgeting or muttering for some time before getting into deep sleep. They have different kinds of sleep during the night. The first few hours of sleep are the deepest and most dreams happen during the second half of the sleep. A good quality sleep is very important to children. It shapes how well you will feel the next day. As a parent, you must ensure that your child receives a good night’s sleep without any disturbances. BEDTIME ROUTINE Making a bedtime routine a habit of your child could be a great way to help them complete their sleep. It also helps them to relax and recover from any physical or mental exhaustion. Suppose a child usually goes to bed at 8:00 pm, can have a bedtime routine which looks like this, 7:30 pm – changing into pyjamas or night wear, brushing teeth and using washroom. 7:45 pm – giving them time to relax, maybe have a little chat or a bedtime story. 8:00 pm – lights out 8:15 pm – should probably fall asleep if not troubled by any thought or stress RELAXING BEFORE BED After arriving from school, it may so happen that child may still think about the day’s events and it might worry them and make them feel anxious. It can lead to nightmares and restless night. It is your duty to make your child feel relaxed and settle down before they go to bed. Keeping activities quiet before sleep time or playing gentle music or a bedtime story can really them clear worrisome thoughts. A bath just before sleep can prove to be really great for relaxation and perhaps a quiet and long sleep. SLEEPING HABITS Maintaining regular sleep and wake up time even on weekends. Ensuring a silent and dimly lit or complete dark room for proper sleep. Not allowing your child screen time before bed, like watching television or using computer and phones. Avoiding sport or cold drinks, chocolate, caffeine in coffee, tea before bed. WETTING THE BED It is quite natural for a child at such an age to wet their bed and it happens when they don’t wake up during night to use the washroom. Some children wet their bed because of their deep sleep. While some because extra amounts of urine is produced when they are asleep. Children cannot control bedwetting and it is something that they grow out of eventually. Reassuring your child that is completely normal is your responsibility as a concerned parent and not joke about it as that might have a negative influence on your child.  SLEEP APNEA If your child sometimes stops breathing when they are asleep, they might snore, pause or struggle while breathing at night, it means that your child has obstructive sleep apnea. Signs and symptoms might include: Excessive daytime sleepiness Loud snoring Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat Morning headache Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep It is advised that upon noticing any symptom in your child, seek help from a doctor. NIGHT TERRORS Night terrors are when your child suddenly gets very agitated while deeply asleep. They are less likely to occur when compared to nightmares and usually disappear by puberty. These does not harm your child in any way but can be scary for a parent. It is most likely to occur during the first few hours of sleep. NIGHTMARES These are very common in early school age children and are often scary enough to make your child awaken from his sleep. But as a child grows older, they slowly start to understand that these are nothing more than just dreams. It usually happens in the second half of the sleep when children dream the most. SLEEPWALKING AND SLEEPTALKING Sleepwalking is when your child’s mind is asleep but their body is awake. It can be caused due to lack of sleep or by anxiety. It can be a hereditary problem. It does not require any treatment as most children grow out of it as teenagers. Many school age children sleeptalk, especially when they are excited or worried about any event in the near future. It is nothing to worry about and can be cured by talking with them before they go to bed and calming them down. THUMBSUCKING AND TEETH GRINDING Honestly, these aren’t much of a problem as they cannot cause any damage. However, regular thumb sucking can cause dental issues. It can be resolved easily by approaching a dentist.

10 tips for a sound sleep in people to ADHD A Good and sound sleep is a crucial part of our physical and mental well-being. We typically spend about one third of our lives asleep but when we miss out on sleep, we can feel fatigued , stress and struggle to concentrate. Sleeping disorder  are generally quite common and have been reported as one of the most common health conditions in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is possible that sleep disturbances can make ADHD symptoms more worse in affected children and adolescents .  Improving on the sleep quality has the potential to reduce ADHD problems and to have a positive impact on everyday life of the affected individuals, as well as their families.  A healthy sleep is important for the ability to focus and concentrate on work , pleasant mood, general health, and a overall Well-being of an individual . Unfortunately, many people with ADHD do not get the proper amount of sleep they need. In fact, around 35 % to 50% of people who have ADHD suffer from sleep problems. Sleeping disorder  and ADHD have a complex relationship but taking steps to improve sleep can also help to improve some of the symptoms of ADHD. A good  Sleep plays a very crucial role in supporting good mental health and helps us to regulate emotions. In turn, this supports better decision making by a individual  . 1.Try to Stick to regular sleep and wake times To Many people suffering from ADHD, can find that getting up to start the day can be an enormous challenge. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day of the week even on weekends try to follow the same cycle. A proper Waking up  on time depends on the time of going to bed, And getting a full night’s rest. Try to Develop routines that will help you wake up happier and faster in the morning . These get-to-sleep and wake-up routines can be made simple by  listening to music each night, having coffee and reading the paper each morning. 2.Work on a set routine People with ADHD , often get distracted very easily. This can mean it’s challenging for them to stick to a particular routine. Even when a good routine is planned, it can soon go amiss without  a good lookout so  support these people to keep there routine it on track. Here are some tips you can try  Start your bedtime routine one hour before the usual time you go to sleep Remove screens an hour before your bedtime  they can be mentally stimulating and the blue light omitted from them can wake you up for long   3.Build some relaxation strategies into your evening An ADHD mind can be a busy and a hyperactive mind and it can be incredibly difficult to switch it off at bedtime. For this reason, both children and adults can  benefit from having some relaxation strategies to help them to calm their minds at night time. Here are some techniques to try: Try repeating a meaningless word such as ‘the’ over and over again until you fall asleep 4.Avoid caffeine after midday Caffeine can be very stimulating mentally and it can prevent you from falling asleep. Try to avoid caffeine especially after midday  to ensure that it’s all out of your system by the time you go to the bed. 5.Munch on light healthy snack  Too much food before bedtime can make sleep more difficult, but many people find that a light snack is helpful so try to munch on light healthy snacks that will satisfy your appetite  and keep you full for longer.   6.Get plenty of natural light It’s very important for you to open the curtains and expose yourself to natural daylight when you wake up. This helps to suppress melatonin  level in body.  But In the dark winter months it can be hard for you to get exposure of enough natural light, so it might be worth investing in a light box. A light box is a device that emits a bright light that stimulates your brain in a similar way as the  natural sunlight. 7.Maintain  a sleep diary A sleep diary is a set of notes that some people keep to record  their sleep habits. You could note down time when you go to bed, what time you wake up, if you were restless in the night, whether you take any medication and many more things.  You could keep a sleep diary and share it with  your doctor  in your care. They may be able to offer you the required suggestions and support. 8.positive thoughts  Though it may take some time to readjust your thought process , try to bring “happy thoughts” in your mind at bedtime. Set aside all worries and negative thoughts. Get into the habit of positive thinking at bedtime you can Think of a favourite  place vacation or your favourite  person .  Happy thoughts and good feelings that can make it easier to drift off to sleep. You can also Try aromatherapy Some people find that using aromatherapy oil at bath time it helps them sleep, you can particularly try scents like lavender, jasmine, and chamomile. 9.Make your bedroom a relaxing place Your bedroom should be a place you associate with sleeping and relaxation. A calm environment will help you to drift off to sleep bit easier. Here are some ideas you can try  Remove  distractions from your bedroom  including your laptop Switch off your TV and put your phone on silent mode and keep it away  To feel more comfortable use fluffy pillows and a cosy blanket Calm and Slow Down Your Brain Once you’re in bed, with lights off, use ADHD-friendly tools that will help you to relax  a white noise machine, earplugs, or soothing soft  music can all slow down racing thoughts. Another solution is try to Concentrate on relaxing one muscle at a time, starting with your feet and moving up toward your head, slow breathing out each time you reach a new muscle group. The given suggestions so far have been for items to include in a bedtime routine. However, it is also important to mention several things to avoid for a good sleep Avoid alcohol.  Alcohol is a sedative. Although it appears to induce sleep, your sleep will be less restful and more disrupted if you are drunk. Alcohol increases how often you wake up at night and stops you from getting the deep sleep that you need to feel rested in the morning. Alcohol is also a diuretic and can cause you to wake up several times to urinate And if you wake up it will disturb  your sleeping cycle .  Avoid sugar Avoid sugary foods and carbonated drinks late in the daytime . The extra  energy boost from sugars can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Don’t smoke  Not only  smoking is harmful to your lungs, but nicotine may also make it more difficult for you to fall asleep and can result in disrupted sleep during the night. Avoid caffeine after midday Caffeine can be very stimulating mentally and it can prevent you from falling asleep. Try to avoid caffeine especially after midday  to ensure that it’s all out of your system by the time you go to the bed.

Everyone needs atleast of 7-9 hours of sleep daily to feel productive and well during the day Time . But people with ADHD often have a hard time falling  asleep during the night time due to there incurable symptoms.  You always likely to feel tired, your ADHD symptoms get worse, and that makes it even harder to sleep the next night and This cycle is on repeat. And it happens to almost every people suffering from ADHD . One study proved that roughly two thirds of people with ADHD that is around 67%  of them found it hard to get a good night’s sleep. But why is that so ? And what’s the solution for this problem ? While experts don’t know exactly how sleep woes and ADHD are linked to each other , they do know about some of the possible causes and what might help a person suffering . Ways Does ADHD Causes Sleeplessness On top of the normal things that can distract  anyone from getting a good night’s rest, there can be extra challenges if you have problem of ADHD.  Generally People with ADHD are often  distracted and find it tough to stop projects, the Short’s of thoughts, tune out interruptions, and go to bed. Even once you’re  finished with all works and finally you are in bed, it can be really hard to quiet your mind and relax enough to sleep. 1.Try to Stick to regular sleep and wake times To Many people suffering from ADHD, can find that getting up to start the day can be an enormous challenge. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day of the week even on weekends try to follow the same cycle. A proper Waking up  on time depends on the time of going to bed, And getting a full night’s rest. Try to Develop routines that will help you wake up happier and faster in the morning . These get-to-sleep and wake-up routines can be made simple by  listening to music each night, having coffee and reading the paper each morning. 2.Work on a set routine People with ADHD , often get distracted very easily. This can mean it’s challenging for them to stick to a particular routine. Even when a good routine is planned, it can soon go amiss without  a good lookout so  support these people to keep there routine it on track. Here are some tips you can try  Start your bedtime routine one hour before the usual time you go to sleep Remove screens an hour before your bedtime  they can be mentally stimulating and the blue light omitted from them can wake you up for long   3.Build some relaxation strategies into your evening An ADHD mind can be a busy and a hyperactive mind and it can be incredibly difficult to switch it off at bedtime. For this reason, both children and adults can  benefit from having some relaxation strategies to help them to calm their minds at night time. Here are some techniques to try: Try repeating a meaningless word such as ‘the’ over and over again until you fall asleep 4.Avoid caffeine after midday Caffeine can be very stimulating mentally and it can prevent you from falling asleep. Try to avoid caffeine especially after midday  to ensure that it’s all out of your system by the time you go to the bed. 5.Munch on light healthy snack  Too much food before bedtime can make sleep more difficult, but many people find that a light snack is helpful so try to munch on light healthy snacks that will satisfy your appetite  and keep you full for longer.  6.Try to a Create regular Wake-Up cycle  A proper Waking up  on time depends on the time of going to bed, and getting a full night’s rest. Try to Develop routines that will help you wake up happier and faster in the morning . These get-to-sleep and wake-up routines can be made simple by  listening to music each night, having coffee and reading the paper each morning. 7.Try to Avoid Sleep Traps Try to find out your ADHD sleep traps and avoid them. If talking on the phone, watching TV, or checking e-mail keeps you up past your bedtime schedule , try to avoid them . Seek for help from family, so they know not to distract you from your goal. 8.Calm and Slow Down Your Brain Once you’re in bed, with lights off, use ADHD-friendly tools that will help you to relax  a white noise machine, earplugs, or soothing soft  music can all slow down racing thoughts. Another solution is try to Concentrate on relaxing one muscle at a time, starting with your feet and moving up toward your head, slow breathing out each time you reach a new muscle group. Some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help the patients ADHD with sleep disorders include: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day  Avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon  Avoiding alcohol and nicotine  Avoiding the use of electronics majorly  before bedtime Using the bed primarily for sleeping and never for activities like working, eating  Keeping the bedroom dark, and cool Getting enough exercise and physical activities during the day Avoiding heavy meals especially close to bedtime Establishing a relaxation routine before bed, such as reading books, listening to soft music , doing yoga, or taking a warm bath