Sleep and rest

Sleep and rest Everyone needs sleep but the amount a

baby needs varies enormously and will depend on the maturity of the brain and the need for food.

Sleep is divided into two distinct states: Rapid eye movement (REM) active sleep Non-rapid eye movement (NREM)quite

sleep

REM sleep Mind is active Processing daytime emotional experiences

NREM sleep Body rests and restoration occurs

Babies under one year more sleep is active

Do not wake babies during deep sleep as it plays a vital part in restoring energy levels.

What are the benefits of rest and sleep Allows tissues to recover Heart rate will fall Oxygen will be replaced Body temperature will fall Central nervous system will relax The body will absorb food if needed Prevent muscles aching or getting stiff

What are the benefits of rest and sleep Brain develops and matures Rests and restores our bodies Growth hormone is released Recharge and energise

What are the signs that a child needs sleep or rest Short attention span, irritability or intolerance

for toys and games Rubbing eyes Sucking thumb or fingers Needing a comforter or a special toy Loosing interest in activities Easily becoming irritable Withdrawn Emotional

In your groups discuss what are the implications of interrupted sleep or lack of sleep for the child and parent?

Sleep needs 6 weeks old New-born babies tend to sleep a great

deal. Shorter spells of sleep during the day Longer periods of sleep during the night Will wake for a feed Sleep is spread out throughout a 24hr

period – usually every four-five hours lasting two-and-a half hours

15 hours in a 24 hour period is required.

Sleep needs 7 months old From four and a half months onwards, most babies are capable of sleeping for eight hours without needing a feed.

By seven months babies usually have two to three daytime sleeps each between one-and a half and two hours.

13- 14 hours sleep and rest in a 24hr period.

Sleeps needs of 15 month old From 1 year until 2 years babies will sleep

for approx. 11 hours at night. Rest of their sleep is daytime naps.

15- 18 months will have one longer daytime sleep rather than two shorter naps

14 hours sleep and rest in 24 hour period

Sleep needs of two and half years Between ages of two-three years most

children still need one nap a day, which may range from on to three and a half hours long.

At this age children usually go to bed between 7 and 9pm and wake up between 6 and 8am

13 hours sleep and rest in 24 hour period

Sleep needs of four to five years By four years a child will meet all their

sleep and rest needs at night, though some children may need short daytime rest or sleep.

11- 11.5 hours sleep and rest in a 24 hr period

Sleep needs of six to seven years Daytime sleeps has disappeared and all

sleep needs are met at night-time

10-11 hrs sleep and rest in a 24 hour period.

Cultural differences Some parents believe a child should sleep

in with them Later sleep times Sleeps in the afternoon mean child can

stay up in the evening Energy levels of the child can impact on

sleep allowance

Establish a routine Children will only sleep if they are actually

tired Provide enough activity and exercise Some children do not have a nap during

the day but should be encouraged to rest in quiet areas.

Treat each child uniquely – needs for sleep

Find out the child’s individual sleep habits

Be guided by the parents and carers wishes

Reassure children when lying them down Keep noise to minimum and darken the

room Provide quiet restful activities before

laying to rest or sleep – some children may be unable to fall asleep.

Bedtime routine Why do you need to have a bedtime

routine?

Between three to five months, most baby’s are ready to settle into a routine

What should that routine consist of?

Bedtime routine Give baby a bath or wash and put on

clean nappy and nightwear. Take child to say goodnight to other

members in the household Carry to his/her room, telling in quiet voice

that it is time for bed. Give the last breast or bottle feed in room

where baby sleeps.

Sing a song or lullaby to help settle, while gently rocking in arms

Wrap securely and settle in cot or cradle saying good night – feet to foot position

Controlled crying sleep routine – in tune If liked, gently pat to sleep.

Swaddling

SIDS'Sudden Infant Death’ is the term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or toddler that is initially unexplained.

The Lullaby Trust

221 unexplained infant deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2012, a rate of 0.30 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Unexplained infant deaths accounted for 8% of all infant deaths occurring in 2012.

Eight out of ten unexplained infant deaths occurred in the post-neonatal period (between 28 days and 1 year).

Almost two-thirds (64%) of unexplained infant deaths were boys in 2012 (141 deaths).

The rate of unexplained infant death was three times higher among low birth weight babies (less than 2,500g) than babies with a normal birth weight (2,500g and over).

Precautions In your groups discuss what you will do as

precautions to reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome?

Working in partnership with parents.

Top ten tips on how to stop a baby over heating

1. Keep the room in which the baby sleeps between 16- 20 0c.

2. Use a thermometer in the room where the baby sleeps as it difficult to judge the temperature

3. Check babies to see if they are sweating or their stomachs feel hot to the touch if so remove some bedding

4. Use light weight blankets and do not use a duvet, quilt or a pillow for babies under 12 months old

5. Babies who are not well or feverish need fewer bed clothes even in the winter

6. Make sure the babies head cannot be covered by the bed clothes by laying them down with their feet at the base of the cot so they can not wriggle under the covers

7. Never let babies sleep with a hot water bottle, electric blanket next to the radiator or in direct sunshine

8. When it is warm cool the room by closing curtains and opening the windows during the day. Offer the baby plenty to drink

9. Remove the babies hat or extra clothing as soon as you get in doors even if it wakes the baby