The Transformative Power of Sleep Training

How to improve sleep for your child and your family.

Sleep training infants, also known as sleep coaching or sleep shaping, is a controversial topic that has been met with both support and criticism.

However, I will let on now that in my view, the benefits of sleep training far outweigh the negative stigma attached to it and it is a good thing for infants and their parents, if sleep becomes an issue.

I’m not playing around — I decided to study sleep training so that I can, with factual information and groundbreaking confidence, educate as many suffering families as possible of the benefits of sleep training and reassure them that they’re not traumatising their baby, my job would be done!

There is no need to struggle, and there is no need to be sleep deprived.

I was there, I struggled, and I went down a deep, dark road that no one should ever go down, and especially not because of something that doesn’t need to become a problem.

So here is my take on it!

What Is Sleep Training?

I like this definition of sleep training,

“Sleep training is a process of teaching your child how to fall asleep independently, so that your child can go to sleep without your help and without feeling anxious or upset.” (Dr. Rachel Moon, lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on SIDS prevention)

I personally define sleep training to be something quite normal, like teaching a baby how to pick up a spoon and eat when they’re weaning. Throughout life, us parents are supposed to teach our children everything. Sleep is one of them for many. The art of sleeping is learned, whether it's taught consciously or not is a different story.

The Myths Surrounding Sleep Training

There are several myths surrounding sleep training that have caused confusion and anxiety for many parents. Here are a few of the most common myths, and the truth behind them:

Myth 1: Sleep training is cruel and causes harm to the child.

Fact: Sleep training is a safe and effective way to help a child learn to sleep independently. It is not cruel or harmful, and it does not involve leaving the child to “cry it out” without any support or comfort. There are different approaches to sleep training, and it is important to find the one that works best for your child and your family. With patience, consistency, and a loving and supportive approach, sleep training can be a positive experience for both the child and the parents.

Myth 2: Sleep training means ignoring the child’s needs.

Fact: Sleep training does not mean ignoring the child’s needs. It is important to respond to the child’s needs for food, comfort, and care, and to establish a consistent routine for sleep. However, it is also important to teach the child how to fall asleep independently, as this is a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives. With sleep training, parents can provide the necessary support and guidance while also helping the child learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

Myth 3: Sleep training is only for babies and young children.

Fact: While sleep training is often focused on babies and young children, it can be helpful for children of all ages. As children grow and develop, they may encounter new challenges with sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or adjusting to new environments or schedules. Sleep training can be a useful tool for addressing these issues and helping children of all ages develop healthy sleep habits.

Myth 4: Sleep training is a quick fix that will solve all sleep problems.

Fact: Sleep training is a process that requires time and effort, and it is not a quick fix for all sleep problems. It is important to be patient and consistent, and to be prepared for some ups and downs along the way. It may take several weeks or even months to see significant improvements in a child’s sleep, and it is important to be flexible and open to adjusting the sleep training approach as needed.

Myth 5: Sleep training is only for children with sleep problems.

Fact: While sleep training can be helpful for children with sleep problems, it is not just for children with sleep issues. It can be a useful tool for any child who is struggling to fall asleep independently or who is having difficulty adjusting to new environments or schedules. Even children who are already good sleepers can benefit from sleep training, as it can help them develop healthy sleep habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. To summarise, sleep training is a safe and effective way to help children learn to sleep independently. It does not involve ignoring the child’s needs, and it is not just for babies and young children. While it is not a quick fix, it can be a valuable tool for addressing sleep problems and helping children of all ages develop healthy sleep habits.

The Benefits of Sleep Training

In their own way, every parent trains their child with many things in life. The routine setting everyone talks about is a form of training. “Potty training” is a thing. And whether officially or not, every baby builds habits with sleep — good, and bad.

Improved Sleep for Everyone (Underrated)

One of the main benefits of sleep training is that it promotes better sleep for both the infant and the parents. When infants are unable to fall asleep on their own, they often wake up frequently during the night, which can lead to sleep deprivation for the parents too. This can have negative effects on the infant’s development, as well as the parents’ mental and physical health.

Babies grow when they sleep. Their body needs rest. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics found that sleep training was effective in improving sleep for children with sleep problems. The study reviewed the results of 16 randomized controlled trials and found that sleep training was associated with significant improvements in sleep duration, sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), and night waking.

As we know, getting better sleep has many benefits. Dr. Sarah O’Leary, pediatrician and author of “The Baby Sleep Solution, said,

“Sleep training is not about letting your child cry or forcing them to sleep. It’s about teaching your child how to fall asleep and stay asleep without your help. It’s a process that requires time and effort, but it can have a significant impact on your child’s sleep patterns and overall health and well-being.”

Promotion of Routine and Structure

Sleep training also helps parents establish a routine and a sense of structure for their child. Infants thrive on routine and structure, and establishing a bedtime routine can have numerous benefits for their development. It helps them understand that bedtime means it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, which can lead to a smoother bedtime routine.

Additionally, having a consistent bedtime routine can help parents better predict when their infant will be tired and ready for sleep, leading to fewer disruptions during the night.

Better Relationships

Another benefit of sleep training is that it can improve the parent-infant bond. When parents are sleep deprived, it can be difficult for them to fully engage with and enjoy their infant. I lived this, unfortunately.

Sleep training can help parents get the rest they need, which allows them to be more present and attentive to their child during the day. I felt the difference in me when I had better sleep in how much more deliberately and mindfully engaging I was with my baby.

It also allows parents to have time to recharge and take care of their own needs, which can lead to a happier and healthier parent-infant relationship — and overall, healthier relationships with everyone.

Better Emotional Regulation & Growth

Despite these benefits, sleep training is often met with criticism and stigma. Some argue that letting an infant “cry it out” is cruel and causes emotional harm. However, the opposite is true.

Studies have shown that infants who are sleep trained have better emotional and behavioral outcomes than those who are not. They are less likely to be irritable, have difficulty with self-regulation, or exhibit aggressive behavior.

A review published in the journal Pediatrics found that sleep training was effective in improving sleep for infants and children, and that it was associated with improved behavior and cognitive function. The review also found that sleep training was generally well-tolerated and had a low risk of adverse effects.

It is important to note that sleep training does not mean ignoring an infant’s needs or letting them cry for extended periods of time without any intervention.

It is about teaching an infant to fall asleep independently and establishing a routine that works for both the infant and the parent. It is also important to be responsive to an infant’s needs, such as hunger or discomfort, and to use techniques that are developmentally appropriate for the child’s age.

Aids Attachment Parenting

Another common criticism of sleep training is that it goes against the “attachment parenting” philosophy, which emphasizes a close, nurturing relationship between the parent and the child. However, sleep training can actually improve the attachment between a parent and their child by allowing both parties to get the rest they need and be more present and attentive during the day. It is not about ignoring an infant’s needs, but rather responding to the child in a consistent manner. Sleep training promotes consistency, and thus, strengthens the bond.

And voila, hopefully, this helps parents when making the decision, should sleep become an issue in the family.

Takeaway

In conclusion, sleep training can be a valuable tool for helping children learn to sleep independently, and the benefits of sleep training are vast.

Sleep training can improve sleep for children of all ages, leading to increased daytime alertness, better behavior, and improved overall health and well-being. It can also improve sleep for parents, reducing the risk of sleep deprivation and its associated negative effects on health and well-being.

Sleep training can improve the relationship between parents and children by promoting bonding and positive interactions, and it can also help reduce the risk of sleep-related problems such as sleep apnea and night terrors.

Overall, sleep training is a safe and effective way to improve sleep for children and their caregivers, and to promote overall health and well-being.

You got this.