Infant Sleep and Brain Development: Evidence for the Critical Role of Sleep in the First Year

Plain-English Summary

Research shows that sleep is one of the most powerful tools for your baby's brain development, especially in the first year. During deep sleep, your baby's brain processes everything they've learned and grows at a remarkable rate — nearly doubling in size. Protecting uninterrupted sleep isn't about strict rules; it's about giving your baby's brain the quiet time it needs to build the foundation for language, memory, and emotional development. When your baby stirs but isn't crying, giving them a moment to settle on their own supports healthier, longer sleep cycles.