Is Sleep Training Bad? Debunking the Myths and Uncovering the Truth
Sleep is vital for a person's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, especially in infants and young children. As new parents, you may have heard about sleep training and wondered whether it's good or bad for your child. This blog will explore the subject in-depth, debunking common misconceptions and shedding light on the benefits and drawbacks of sleep training.
Myth 1: Sleep training is cruel and emotionally damaging
Many opponents of sleep training argue that it is emotionally distressing for a child, leading to long-term psychological harm. However, research has demonstrated that there is no significant difference in the stress levels of children who have undergone sleep training compared to those who have not. Moreover, studies have shown that children who have been sleep trained experience no long-term negative effects on their emotional or mental well-being.
Myth 2: Sleep training is a one-size-fits-all approach
Many people mistakenly believe that sleep training is a singular method applied universally to all children. In reality, there are several sleep training methods, ranging from gentle techniques like the "no tears" approach to more structured methods like the "cry it out" technique. It's crucial for parents to research and choose a sleep training method that aligns with their parenting style and their child's unique needs.
Myth 3: Sleep training means letting your baby cry uncontrollably
One of the most significant misconceptions about sleep training is that it involves letting your baby cry without any intervention. While some methods advocate for limited intervention, no reputable sleep training method advises parents to ignore their child's cries indefinitely. Instead, sleep training is about teaching your child to self-soothe and develop healthy sleep habits, with parental support and guidance as needed.
Benefits of Sleep Training
As the research grows so do the list of the benefits of sleep training.
Improves overall sleep. Research shows that children who follow bedtime routines are more likely to go to sleep earlier, take less time falling asleep, sleep longer, and wake up less during the night.
Multiple studies from a range of sources show that babies who sleep well, nap regularly, and have early bedtimes are better emotionally adjusted, do better in school, and have reduced risk for health problems down the road.
Performs better academically - Children who never had regular bedtimes at ages 3, 5 and 7 had significantly lower reading and lower cognitive test scores by age 7.
Improves behavior (less aggressive), happiness, empathy. Having regular bedtimes during early childhood is an important influence on children’s behavior.
Reduced obeisity and Heart Disease. “What is particularly interesting about this research is that the sleep-obesity association we see across the lifespan appears in infancy and may be predictive of future health outcomes,” said Marishka K. Brown, Ph.D., director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, located within the NHLBI.
Sleep training is not inherently bad or harmful for children. When approached with care and consideration, it can lead to improved sleep quality for both children and their parents. It's important to remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your child's sleep habits or if you're considering sleep training. In the end, the well-being of your child and the entire family is what matters most.