Oct 223 min read

Is Your Newborn's Sleep Restless? Here’s Why Active Sleep Is a Good Thing

Updated: Nov 12

If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably noticed your newborn’s sleep can look a little… busy! Between tiny twitches, funny little noises, and those sometimes strange rapid eye movements, it’s normal to wonder what’s going on. This phase, known as “active sleep,” is completely natural and actually really important for your baby’s growth. Understanding active sleep can make it easier for you to go with the flow of your newborn’s unique sleep patterns. Here’s everything you need to know about why active sleep matters and what it means for your baby’s development.

Why Do Newborns Spend So Much Time in Active Sleep?

Newborns sleep around 16-18 hours a day, and nearly half of this time is spent in active sleep. This is no accident; active sleep plays a significant role in their brain and body development. It enables newborns to process sensory experiences, adapt to their new world, and supports essential neurological growth.

What Is Active Sleep?

Active sleep in newborns is a lighter, more dynamic stage of sleep characterized by frequent movements, vocal sounds, and irregular breathing patterns. During active sleep, your baby’s brain is highly active, almost as if they were awake. This phase is critical as it helps stimulate brain growth, much like REM sleep in adults, but with specific benefits unique to babies.

Spotting Active Sleep: Key Signs to Look For

Eye Movements: If you see rapid eye movements beneath closed lids, that’s a sure sign of active sleep.
Body Movements: Look for gentle twitches, occasional jerks, or subtle movements in the hands and feet.
Irregular Breathing: Your baby’s breathing may vary between fast, slow, or even short pauses, which is perfectly normal during active sleep.

Common Worries About Active Sleep

It’s natural for new parents to feel a little worried when they see their baby moving or making sounds during sleep. But these behaviors are typical in active sleep and don’t usually signal any issues. Frequent stirring or brief wake-ups are often just part of their natural sleep rhythm. Unless you see signs of distress, there’s no need to worry. Active sleep is a sign of a healthy, developing brain.

Myths About Newborn Sleep Cycles

A lot of new parents hear that babies need complete silence to sleep well, but that’s not the case! Newborns can handle a moderate amount of background noise, which may even soothe them by reminding them of the sounds they heard in the womb. Another myth is that if a baby looks restless, they’re not getting quality rest, which isn’t true. Active sleep is deeply restorative and supports essential growth.

When Should You Intervene During Active Sleep?

Seeing your baby moving around or making little noises can make you want to jump in and comfort them, but it’s usually best to hold back. Active sleep is meant to be dynamic, and intervening too often can disturb your baby’s natural sleep rhythm. By not intervening, we’re also allowing them to get the rest they need—and who doesn’t want more sleep, right? Instead, wait a moment to see if they settle back down. Unless they seem genuinely distressed, letting them be is often the best approach.

Embracing Active Sleep as Part of Early Development

Active sleep is a wonderful and essential part of your baby’s early growth. Those twitches, sighs, and tiny movements are all signs that their brain is hard at work, building connections and processing their new world. Embracing this natural sleep stage helps you tune in to your baby’s needs while supporting a rhythm that will guide them through the early months of life.

Your newborn’s sleep may look a little wild, but it’s all part of an intricate process designed to help them grow, learn, and thrive. By recognizing and supporting active sleep, you’re playing a vital role in helping your baby develop into a healthy, happy child.

What Next?

Want to learn more about how you can support your newborn’s sleep—and get more sleep for everyone? Join our free 7-day Newborn Sleep Challenge today! This challenge will provide you with practical tips and insights to help your baby sleep better, so you can all enjoy more restful nights. Let’s make those sleepless nights a thing of the past!