What type of sleep do babies predominantly experience?

Babies predominantly experience REM sleep, which is characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreaming. This stage of sleep plays a crucial role in brain development and the consolidation of memories. In infants, REM sleep can account for a significant proportion of their overall sleep time, often up to 50%. This high amount of REM sleep is necessary because it supports cognitive development and is associated with the processing of new experiences and learning.

As infants grow, the amount of REM sleep decreases, and they begin to experience a more balanced distribution of sleep stages that includes both REM and non-REM sleep. Understanding the importance of REM sleep during the early developmental period highlights how sleep patterns evolve as children age and how vital sleep is for healthy growth and development.