Getting past the sleep cycle

[amberj]

Peter sleeps great at night, and generally goes down well for naps during the day (I am VERY lucky). But his daytime naps tend to only go for 40 minutes or so, when he wakes from his sleep cycle. Its then a real chore to get him back to sleep. He takes three naps a day, and, from what I have read etc, his naps should be about 1.5 hours each. Is this right? Or should I just get him up after 45 minutes? If not, any tips on resettling him to get him past the sleep cycle bump?

[Visitor7]

If he's only sleeping for 45 minutes, then he can't get through to the next sleep. There are a few different things you could try.
After about 30 minutes (or when he starts becoming restless) gently pat him on the back, pop in the dummy, turn some music on etc. You'll need to be in his room and watching him, waiting for the signs. Or you could give him a bottle of either EBM or formula (which ever one he's on), just enough to get him settled and back to sleep.

Nina used to do this, and these things helped with her.

[MamaPan]

I tried lots of things to get DS to sleep more than the 40 mins in day sleeps - none of them worked for me... I ended up giving in and just going with the flow and a few weeks ago he started to stretch his sleeps.. he now has about 1.5 hrs in the morning and 45-60 mins afternoon (he is 11 months). I woud def say try all the things suggested above, they seem to work for lots of ppl but also try not to stress too much about it, it will sort itself out over time..sounds like he is doing really well!

[rufalina]

Jessica - I am in the same boat... But my DS struggles to get to sleep in the first place in the day, When I do finally get him down, he will sleep for maybe 30-40 mins then is wide awake again. Have you tried any of these ideas? How are you getting on now?

Jodi - Going to try out your tips. Thanks!

[Sammiejane]

Same here!

CMHN told me that because MJ can sleep all the way through the night she is able to settle back to sleep... i have tried everything and nothing works during the day
The CMHN said that she probably is getting enough... MJ has usually 3 x 30-45 min sleeps per day and then sleeps 12hrs at night (not on formula)

try the other ideas, hopefully it works, but imo everyone is different, some babys need day sleeps more than others it is just a bit harder to get things done when they dont sleep for extended periods

[rufalina]

it is just a bit harder to get things done when they dont sleep for extended periods

Oh that it is!!!!! Maybe my DS (and I) gets enough sleep at night... But it would be nice to have an hour or two in the day to do things like housework or cook, or relax...