What are wake windows and do they help?
You may have heard the term wake windows mentioned a lot, but maybe your not quite sure what they are or why they matter. Read on to find out everything you need to know:
What are wake windows?
Wake windows are the period of time that your baby is likely to stay awake, without becoming overtired. They help you figure out when your baby might be ready for their next nap or for bedtime.
When your baby is first born, they may only be able to stay awake for 45 to 90 minutes at a time,. As they get older, their wake windows gradually get longer.
Why does overtiredness matter?
Have you ever gone to bed feeling so overtired that you just can’t fall sleep? Your legs are fidgety, you toss and turn and your mind won’t settle. That’s because overtiredness causes the body to produce cortisol - a stress hormone that acts like a shot of adrenaline. It can make it harder to fall asleep and it can reduce the quality of sleep when it finally comes.
Are wake windows helpful?
Yes! Wake windows can be a really helpful guide for spotting when your baby is likely getting tired and ready for their next sleep. But every baby is different and their sleep can vary day to day or even during the day. Things like how well they slept the night before or how long their last nap was can affect how long they can stay awake. That’s why it’s important to use wake windows alongside your baby’s tiredness cues. If your baby is happy and content, then it is likely they are not tired yet. It is also completely normal for the wake window to be shorter at the beginning of the day and to get longer in the lead up to bedtime.
Remember that wake windows are just a guide and are based on averages. By watching for signs of tiredness, keeping an eye on your child’s sleep patterns, and tuning into their unique sleep needs, you’ll find a routine that works for them.
Signs of tiredness
Some of the earliest signs of tiredness can be subtle and we often don’t notice then until they become obvious. Here what to look out for:
Early signs
Flushed eyebrows – in Newborns, looks out for redness across their eyebrows
Staring into space and losing interest in activities
Avoiding eye contact and turning their face away
Starting to get a little more fussy
Waving arms and legs (in younger babies)
Later signs
Rubbing their eyes or ears
Yawning
Excessive crying
Pushing away
If you notice these later signs try to get your baby down for a nap or bedtime as soon as possible.