Light or Dark Nursery for Naps: Solving the Day/Night Confusion

You've likely heard conflicting advice: some say a light nursery during the day prevents day/night confusion, while others swear by a darkened room for better naps. So, which is it?

Understanding Day/Night Cycles

Our bodies have an internal clock, influenced by light. Sunlight signals our bodies to be awake, while darkness promotes sleep. This is why shift workers can struggle – their bodies adjust to an altered light/dark schedule.

Early Days: Establishing Day and Night

For newborns, clearly differentiating day and night is crucial. In the womb, they experienced movement during the day and quiet at night. Disrupting this pattern can lead to frequent night time awakenings.

• Daytime: Keep the environment bright. Engage with your baby, talk, sing, and change their diapers frequently.

• Night time: Dim the lights, keep interactions minimal, and focus on feeding and soothing.

  
  

Once Day/Night is Established

As your baby grows (around 6 weeks+), a darkened nursery can actually improve naps.

• Reduced Distractions: A dark room minimizes visual stimulation, making it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Better Sleep Quality: A darker environment can lead to deeper, more restful sleep.