New parents lack information about a newborn's normal sleep cycles. Most newborns, and especially those born early, are still developing clear sleep cycles. As babies mature they develop two clear sleep cycles: still-deep sleep and active-light sleep. Babies "look asleep" in the still-deep sleep cycle. (See DVD Clips of cycles)They are totally still, their breathing is nice and regular, and the baby makes no sounds. However, in active-light sleep a baby will twitch, make mouth movement, open and close his eyes and even make grunting, cooing sounds. But he is still asleep, just in active sleep. If left alone a few minutes, he will often get quiet again and go back to still-deep sleep. Babies spend 40% of their time in still-deep sleep and 60% in active-light sleep.
