SLEEP VARIATION

SLEEP VARIATION:

For NEONATES- newborns sleep for 16-18 hours divided into 7 sleep periods. They have two sleep states- QUIET sleep (their NREM sleep) is characterized by closed eyes, regular respirations and absence of eye/body movements;
ACTIVE sleep is characterized by eye movements observable through the closed eyelids, with body movements and irregular respirations.
For INFANTS- some infants sleep for 22 hours, while the average is 12-14 hours. Their sleep cycle is shorter (about 50-60 minutes).
The REM sleep is 20-30% (which decreases as the infant grows and will stabilize at 20% until late in adulthood).
About 50% of the sleep is spent during LIGHT sleep (Stage 1).
For TODDLERS- the sleep requirement is 10-12 hours a day. The same 20-30% of sleep is REM. The normal sleep wake pattern is established at age 2-3.
Bedtime rituals often develop and assume great importance in providing nighttime security.
For PRESCHOLERS- they usually require 11-12 hours of sleep per night. The REM sleep is still 20-30%. Many of the preschoolers resist going to sleep
Remember that the preschoolers have fear of the dark that nurses must anticipate to guide the mothers.
Suggested Measures by Pilliteri:
1. Read bedtime stories until patient sleeps
2. Reassure that child is Safe
3. Monitor environmental stimuli such as television and noise