Circadian Rhythm and Your Baby’s Sleep

Timing is everything when it comes to sleep. I truly believe this… and the science supports this theory. Understanding and working with your baby’s circadian rhythm or natural sleep rhythm is the best way to obtain and maintain healthy sleep habits. I think the easiest way to help you understand the importance of finding and respecting your baby or child’s circadian rhythm might be through a FAQ format. So here we go…

What is the circadian rhythm?

The circadian rhythm is the body’s 24-hour biological sleep clock. It tells the body when it should be sleeping and when it should be awake.

What drives or controls our circadian rhythm?

Your circadian rhythm is controlled by the brain, but it is also impacted by natural light and daily routines, like meal times.

When does a baby’s circadian rhythm develop?

A baby’s circadian rhythm will start to develop soon after they are born and the full 24-hour rhythm typically comes together between 3 and 4 months (hello, 4-month sleep pro-gression). A baby’s biological sleep rhythm typically starts to show signs of maturing around 2 months – for most babies this is when you start to see more organized nights with longer stretches of sleep. The nighttime rhythm develops first, followed by the morning nap, and then the midday nap.

What does it mean for sleep when a baby has a developed circadian rhythm?

Once the circadian rhythm has developed, babies will have “sleep waves” – for both nighttime sleep and naps. It’s during these sleep waves that the body is releasing melatonin and being naturally pulled towards sleep. Riding that sleep wave allows your child to fall asleep more easily and for them to get the most restorative sleep possible.

What happens if I don’t find and follow my baby’s circadian rhythm?

Sleep that occurs outside of the body’s natural circadian rhythm is not as restorative as sleep that occurs at the “right” times. The circadian rhythm can be disrupted when your little one isn’t getting enough restorative sleep or has an irregular sleep schedule. Disruption to your child’s biological sleep rhythm can lead to bedtime struggles, nighttime wakings, and nap resistance. It can also result in disrupted eating patterns. This is why keeping your baby’s sleep on a consistent schedule is so important.

Working with your baby’s body by following their circadian rhythm to help them sleep is one of the easiest and gentlest ways to improve your little one’s sleep and/or to ensure they continue with healthy sleep habits.