We are all affected by a 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm, also known as the "human clock." Our bodies pass through this natural cycle and help us to differentiate day and night. Hormones and temperature changes differentiate sleep cycles from awake cycles.
Circadian Rhythm in Babies
When in the womb, baby receives melatonin, the hormone that governs sleep cycles, from mom. At birth, they have very little left. Small tummies and lack of melatonin mean that it takes 2-3 months before baby starts to fall into a more normal sleep pattern. Infants go through 3- to 4-hour cycles of sleep and wakefulness through the night. The sleep-wake schedule will consolidate once the circadian rhythm of the infant matures. Once your baby is past 3 months, you can help encourage the night / day differentiation by having a regular, if not set, feeding pattern and having a good bedtime routine.
Of course, getting your baby to fall asleep - and stay asleep - is as much about your baby's temperament as it is about these natural rhythms. Not all babies will be able to naturally extend their own sleep, or go to sleep on their own, without some assistance from mom & dad. Sleep training can help you tailor a sleep routine to your baby & his / her temperament.
Circadian Rhythm in Parents
Parents, too, have a major adjustment during the initial months because of the circadian rhythm. Our bodies are regulated to sleep mode during the night so waking up when our hormone and body temperature levels are low can be quite difficult. Sleep deprivation can become quite a problem for new parents, contributing to feelings of depression and anxiety and marital problems.
I am offering a special deal on sleep consultations for the month of July (July 1 - 31, 2010).
Buy any sleep package over $200 and receive 10% off!
To buy the sleep package of your choice, simply use our online ordering system with Coupon Code HSTJULY2010 or contact me and ask about the discount or about my services.
Don't hesitate to ask me any quesitons you may have about the services I offer, my methods, or to bring up any concerns. My goal is to help you be a better parent & to help your baby get the sleep he/she needs!
It's allergy season in our house. Our allergies tend to get worse when it's raining, and since Vancouver has yet to really experience summer (grr!), we've been suffering quite a lot!
If you suffer from allergies, you may be wondering if your baby will too. This is a question you can discuss with your Doctor or one of the fantastic nurses in BC using the HealthLink service.
From the reading I've done, it seems like kids usually don't come down with seasonal allergies until after the age of 3, though some babies will get allergies just after one year old.
Allergies, along with their myriad of annoying symptoms, can definitely throw off sleep in toddlers. If this is a problem for you, let me know!
On June 26th at 11am, check out the 'Everything Mom' event being held at the Raspberry Kids Warehouse in Vancouver. Whether you're a mom or a to-be mom, there are lots of goodies on hand!
Swag bag for first 50 guests
Face painting for the little ones
Free cupcakes (and who doesn't love cupcakes?!) & Starbucks coffee
Raffle prizes including a weekend in Whistler & lots of kids goodies
15% off purchases made at Raspberry Kids
A chance to meet Erica, the co-author for the Survival Guide to Rookie Moms
Cheeky Chops is proud to be a sponsor of this event - we hope to see you there!
The opening ceremonies for the FIFA World Cup will kick start tomorrow night. Performers include Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys. Will you be tuning in too??
The 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem was chosen as K'Naan's 'Waving Flag', which is big news for the Canadian singer.
Though this is fantastic, this video from '96 still gives me goose bumps:
If you're a Vancouverite, head on over to Miss604 for a full list of places in Vancouver where you can watch the World Cup as well as details on broadcasting.
We are all affected by a 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm, also known as the "human clock." Our bodies pass through this natural cycle and help us to differentiate day and night. Hormones and temperature changes differentiate sleep cycles from awake cycles. 
I am offering a special deal on sleep consultations for the month of July (July 1 - 31, 2010).
It's allergy season in our house. Our allergies tend to get worse when it's raining, and since Vancouver has yet to really experience summer (grr!), we've been suffering quite a lot!
South Africa hosts the