What Is Twilight Sleep

Did you know it’s normal for babies to wake 30-45 mins in to a sleep cycle? This is what we call “Twilight Sleep”.

So, what is Twilight Sleep? We're sharing what it looks like and what we can do as parents to help get our little back to sleep.

Let’s Start with the Twilight Sleep Basics

What are Normal, Natural Sleep Patterns?

• For Adults: Sleep cycles for adults typically repeat every 2-3 hours.

  • Slightly shorter in the first part of the night and slightly longer towards the later part of the night.

  • As adults we typically take about 20 mins to fall asleep.

  • We will sleep about 120 mins, toss and turn, talk in our sleep then restart the next cycle-sleep, toss and turn, repeat. 

• For Babies: 

  • Sleep cycles for babies typically repeat every 3 hours at night.

    • With more alertness when feedings are still needed.

    • Naptime is usually closer to 1 ½ to 2 hours.

    • For babies it takes 10-20 mins to fall asleep.

    • We also see the stages of sleep more in babies.

Sleep Cycles are Classified as REM and Non-REM.

• REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is typically lighter sleep.
  •  Newborns will spend about half of their sleep in REM sleep.  
• Non-REM sleep has 4 stages:
  • Stage 1: dozing, drowsy, eyes may flutter
  • Stage 2: light sleep, baby may be squirmy
  • Stage 3 and 4: deeper sleep; this is typically where they are quiet and not moving.

Newborns begin their “sleep” cycle in Non-REM Stage 1, move to Stages 2, 3, 4 and then to REM sleep. At night, this cycle repeats every 2-3 hours.

Twilight Sleep is when they are transitioning between cycles.

What Does Twilight Sleep Look Like?

• This is when we hear that soft coo or them fuss about.
• During Twilight Sleeping, the baby may be loud, squirmy, their eyes may flutter and/or they may cry for 2-3 minutes before going back to “sleep” (i.e. starting another sleep cycle).

What Can We Do?

We recommend having a few things in place to help! 

• Routine
  • Their bodies tell time by doing the same thing around the same time each day.
  • Consistency is key!
• Ideal Sleep Environment
  • Swaddle (under 12 weeks of age) right, and tight, tight, tight!
    • See the Moms on Call Swaddle Technique to get it just right!
  • White noise machine on and loud enough to hear on the other side of the door.
    • Placement is 12-24 inches from the head of the crib.
      • Your white Noise Questions Answered for Better Baby Sleep!
  • Babies sleep best in cool temps, the room should be kept at a cool 68-72ºF.
  • We recommend baby sleeps in their crib in that beautiful space you’ve curated just for them!
    • Babies can develop great sleeping habits in any room. You are the parent, and you choose where your baby sleeps.
    • The crib should be less than 5 years old and have a new mattress, a mattress cover, and a tight-fitted crib sheet.
      • We recommend a dual-firmness crib mattress like the Sleep & Grow Crib Mattress. It features extra-firm support that infants need on one side and less firmness on the other side to provide the comfort that toddlers prefer so that it will grow with your baby and their nursery!
      • No fluff allowed, crib should be free of any pillows, stuffed animals, loose blankets, and/or interactive toys (including mobiles above).
• Practice the Pause
  • When they wake, wait just a minute or two then try soothing.
  • See Moms on Call Soothing Technique & Tips here.
  • Often (just like us) our littles will get back to sleep on their own after a few mins of fussing, and on to the next stage in their sleep cycle.

Ready to learn more?

For a peek into Moms on Call's methods and techniques view the Baby Basics videos. These videos are just a glimpse of what you will find in Moms on Call’s Online Video Courses and books which are designed to work together to guide you through every stage from birth to toddlerhood with confidence. For more personalized, one-on-one support in implementing the Moms on Call methods, reach out to partner with a Moms on Call Consultant who will be excited and honored to be part of you and your family’s journey.

Wherever you are in your parenting journey, Moms on Call will meet you there. For personalized support with our resources, our Consultant Network is available. You and your Consultant will navigate all of your questions together with custom guidance for your family. (You will likely get answers to questions before you even knew you had them!)

Our consultations  are specific to the Moms on Call methodology, and all of our Consultants are nurses with pediatric experience who have used Moms on Call in their own homes.

Remember, this journey is a blend of challenges and joys. We all know the importance of rest and implementing simple strategies, you're setting the stage for healthy lifelong sleep habits. So, sleep tight, recharge, and relish the moments – both the challenging and the beautiful. You've got this!