Baby Sleep Day, observed annually every March 1, is a day set aside to emphasize the importance of sleep to a baby as well as family members in general. An initiative of the Pediatric Sleep Council — a team of international pediatric sleep experts, Baby Sleep Day launches its global awareness campaign spreading the word about the amazing benefits of healthy sleep. They ultimately set out to prevent sleep problems before they arise. Sleep is super important to our physical and mental well-being. In 2021, 30 countries celebrated Baby Sleep Day, showing how significant this topic is.
History of Baby Sleep Day
Every child deserves a healthy, happy life and one of the major bedrock of this is snooze time! Sleep does absolute wonders for everyone, especially a growing child. Unfortunately, sleep orders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, among others, exist. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep issues affect 25 to 50% of children and 40% of adolescents.
Our kids most certainly deserve a healthy, secured future, hence the initiation of Baby Sleep Day. This day raises awareness about the benefits of healthy sleep and provides families with answers, support, and information they seek. This ultimately prevents sleep concerns. More than 500,000 parents visit The Baby Sleep Site each month to find answers for their children’s sleep difficulties.
In the calendar of events, Baby Sleep Day precedes the National Sleep Awareness Week (begins at the start of daylight saving time) and World Sleep Day (a day before the Spring Vernal Equinox). The first edition of the annual Baby Sleep Day was held on March 1, 2017. This was after the three founders met at a Deli, ate pickles, and thrashed out the details. Their thought was, “If we were all overcome by happiness from better sleep, we may finally be close to achieving world peace.”
Baby Sleep Day timeline
The word ‘insomnia’ is derived from the Latin word ‘insomnis’ meaning ‘sleepless.’
Humans had two sleep cycles daily, but with the Industrial Revolution between 1760 and 1830, it changes.
Insomnia is the first psychosomatic disorder to be described by German physician Johann Heinroth, the first Professor of Psychiatry.
British Doctor John Davy studies the connection between body temperatures and sleep patterns.
American Sleep Researcher Nathaniel Kleitman and his student, Eugene Aserinsky, discover that dreaming is part of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
In December 2016, Jodi Mindell, Bula, and Russell Walters come up with the idea to dedicate a day to focus on the importance of baby sleep.
Baby Sleep Day FAQs
How much sleep does a child need?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants under one year: 12-16 hours; children one to two years old: 11-14 hours; children three to five years old: 10-13 hours; children six to 12 years old: 9-12 hours; and teenagers 13 to 18 years old: 8-10 hours.
How long can a baby sleep without drinking?
For the first few weeks, keep an eye on the time and wake your baby when it’s time for her to eat. Breastfed babies shouldn’t go longer than two to four hours without drinking, while bottle-fed babies shouldn’t go longer than three to four hours.
How many hours should a newborn sleep in a day?
Newborn babies should be sleeping between 16 and 18 hours per 24-hour period, though they wake often.
How to Observe Baby Sleep Day
Ensure your baby has a good sleep
Each baby is different and, therefore, has a different sleep pattern. It is advised that you make the environment sleep conducive; a fresh bath, comfortable sleepwear, dim the light, read a bedtime story, and sing a lullaby. For more information regarding safe sleeping conditions, we recommend sources such as https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/safe-sleep-environment.
Embrace healthy sleep patterns
Each individual should have at least eight solid hours of sleep time. Have a regular bedtime, reduce caffeine and alcohol, wear comfy nighttime clothing, leave the cell phone off before bedtime, and leave work at work.
Enlighten your world
Spread awareness about the awesome benefits of healthy regular sleep to good quality of life. Hold discussions and presentations highlighting the importance of sleep.
5 Real Facts About Sleep
Sleep deprivation is dangerous
Lack of sleep has been linked to a host of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac arrest stroke, and obesity.
Drowsy driving claims lots of lives
According to a study by the A.A.A. Foundation for Traffic Safety, an estimated 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually.
The record holder
Randy Gardener achieved the feat of the longest time without sleep on January 8, 1964, at age 17, when he stayed awake for 264 hours straight (11 days and 25 minutes).
Babies don't dream
According to neuroscientists, babies don't dream because of their undeveloped brains and their immaturity.
Most common infant sleep difficulties
The most common infant sleep-related issue has been said to be nighttime waking.
Why Baby Sleep Day Is Important
Sleep and baby development are linked
Sleep is crucial to brain development in a baby. It also affects the baby's overall good health. In children, it does the same — more energy, lower risk of obesity, lesser risk of diabetes, improved attention, and better learning are among numerous benefits. For secure and comfortable sleep and swaddling advice, we researched at https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/good-night-sleep-tight.aspx.
A call to action
This important day highlights the importance of sleep and its interrelations to various aspects of our lives, including health and wealth. It reminds us to make a conscious effort to carve out shut-eye time amid the hustle and bustle of life.
It keeps depression away
Poor sleep patterns have been linked to depression. With the rise of mental health issues, a good night's sleep should not be negotiated. A lack of adequate quality sleep has also been linked to an increase in the risk of death by suicide.
Baby Sleep Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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