Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Marta is concerned that her 1-week-old is only awake for about 8 hours a day. What should she do?

1. be concerned because newborn babies are typically awake for 12-14 hours a day in the first week of life

2. be concerned because newborn babies typically need 20 or more hours of sleep a day in the first week of life

3. try to get her baby to sleep for longer periods of time

4. relax because this is a perfectly normal amount of sleep for newborns

The correct answer is: relax because this is a perfectly normal amount of sleep for newborns

Marta should feel reassured because the expected sleep patterns for newborns can vary, and her baby's behavior falls within the range of normal. Newborns often sleep for approximately 16 to 20 hours a day, but they may not be awake for long periods, with many only being alert for short durations. Having her baby awake for about 8 hours in a 24-hour period is perfectly normal and does not require any concern. Newborns typically have irregular sleep cycles and may sleep more deeply and frequently due to their developing bodies and the energy required for growth. It is important to understand that every baby is unique, and some may have different sleeping patterns. Encouraging longer sleep periods or worrying about the baby’s sleep hours in the first week is unnecessary, as the focus should be on nurturing the baby’s needs during this critical developmental stage.