http://babesinsleepland.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-new.jpg
Helping the overtired moms and children sleep like a baby!
Find Your Perfect Sleep Success Plan
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Angela
    • Philosophy and Values
  • Working Together
    • Approach
    • Sleep Success Plans
    • Group Seminars
    • Purchase Here
  • Media
  • Testimonials
  • Products
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Contact

February 23, 2016 by Angela Walsh Leave a Comment

How Moms and Babies Benefit From Sleep Training.

dreamstime_xs_39423878While some parents may not believe in the practice of sleep training, pointing to increased cortisol levels when babies are upset, the long-term benefits from sleep training for the baby and the whole family are undeniable. The short-term stress of sleep training sets the stage for years of calm, healthy parenting.

First, let’s address the role of cortisol in sleep training. Until babies are three or four months old, their cortisol levels peak every twelve hours, unlike those of older children and adults, who are on a 24-hour cycle with a peak in the morning and a decrease at night. This means that babies experience more fluctuations in cortisol naturally, which is part of the reason they have trouble falling into a schedule in those early months.

Cortisol is a hormone and it does increase when people are under stress or sense fear. In babies, cortisol can be part of the process in early sleep training, but as they develop the ability to self-soothe, the cortisol response decreases and eventually is replaced by a calm transition to sleep. On the other hand, in sleep-deprived babies and children who have not been sleep-trained, this cortisol response can become part of the evening routine for long periods of time. This creates lasting patterns of emotional distress and sleep deprivation.

Now let’s look at some of the evidence to support sleep training. Parents of young children can get hung up on sleep, and with good reason. Sleep deprivation can lead to an unhappy household, but here are five benefits to successful sleep training that will serve your family well for years to come:

  1. Sleep begets sleep. 

Healthy night sleep leads to healthy nap habits, and naps are invaluable to child development. Morning naps are cognitively restorative, and afternoon naps are physically restorative.

  1. Sleep impacts health, behavior and learning.

Sleep deprivation has been linked to diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, trouble focusing, and reduced academic success.

  1. Parents need sleep, too.

A mother who does not get adequate sleep is at a greater risk for post-partum depression and anxiety, making it harder for her to care for and comfort her baby.

  1. Sleep problems don’t stay in the bedroom.

A lack of sleep can impact everyone in the household, and can cause problems in relationships and at work. Parents are more able to support each other and develop their careers and other interests when they are getting enough sleep.

  1. A well-rested parent is a present parent. 

We have all been hearing about how phones and computers can negatively impact sleep patterns, making it harder to be fully focused and present during waking hours. Sleep disruptions in children can cause the same issues. Adequate sleep increases focus, decision-making and communication skills.

dreamstime_xs_43781965

Now, how can you prevent or help resolve sleep issues? Follow these simple steps toward creating a positive sleep environment for everyone in the family:

  1. Keep the temperature set between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A comfortably cool room makes it easier to breath clearly and prevents sleep disruption.
  1. Get a noise machine. White noise can block out indoor and outdoor sounds, preventing night waking.
  1. Keep the room dark. Light can lead to wakefulness, so the darker the room, the better!
  1. No screen time near bedtime. The artificial light from screens makes it harder to transition to sleep. Bedtime books are best, for everyone from newborns to adults!

Sleep, like many aspects of child-rearing, requires effort upfront to establish good habits that last. It is one of the first things parents monitor in their children from the very first days, and as it greatly impacts parents as well, it can be wrought with emotion. Simple sleep training methods can ease the transition from the sleepless newborn nights to a well-rested family with a happy, healthy, thriving child.

Let me know if you found this article helpful.

Angela Walsh is a Family Sleep Institute, Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and the founder of Babes in Sleepland. She helps sleep deprived babies, children and families, get back on track and get the sleep they need and desire. To learn more about Angela and how she can help you, visit her website: babesinsleepland.com.  Also get sleep tips, the latest research on baby and child products, and be part of her weekly Q and A at her Facebook page: Babes in Sleepland and follow her on Twitter

Filed Under: Healthy Sleep, Pediatric Sleep Expert, Sleep Tips for Newborn Babies, Sleep Training and a Baby's Cortisol Level

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured On:

healthy-life-logowiox-logoitsyourhealthnetworkNEW LIVING LO-2pp-logo

Meet Angela

My name is Angela Walsh.  I am a Child Sleep Consultant Certified by the Family Sleep Institute, and the founder of Babes in Sleepland.  As the mother of four grown children (three boys and a girl), my mission is to help parents like you enjoy every … (READ MORE)

What Our Families Are Saying

Kate, NY, NY

"After putting Angela’s techniques to use, we had a baby who went from several night wakings to only one waking a night! Angela was a great help, and was sensitive to my beliefs as a...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:16:34+00:00
"After putting Angela’s techniques to use, we had a baby who went from several night wakings to only one waking a night! Angela was a great help, and was sensitive to my beliefs as a parent.  We are so lucky to have worked with her!"
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/1/

Deb, Comox British Columbia

"Angela helped my daughter make the transition to sleeping in her bassinet, and also helped to clarify the basics of baby sleep cycles. Her sleep habits have greatly improved and she is an alert and...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:16:59+00:00
"Angela helped my daughter make the transition to sleeping in her bassinet, and also helped to clarify the basics of baby sleep cycles. Her sleep habits have greatly improved and she is an alert and happy baby. I am so grateful for Angela’s help and would recommend her services to anyone who has questions or problems around their baby’s sleep."
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/2/

Viney, Ny,Ny

"Angela was so helpful to me in my early attempts to sleep train my daughter; she was quick to respond, reassuring, empathetic and incredibly patient! Since I was dealing with my own sleep deprivation, I...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:17:52+00:00
"Angela was so helpful to me in my early attempts to sleep train my daughter; she was quick to respond, reassuring, empathetic and incredibly patient! Since I was dealing with my own sleep deprivation, I appreciated that she always sent me a recap of our conversations in an email after we spoke."
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/3/

Brenda, Milwaukee, WI

"Working with Angela from Babes in Sleepland, our daughter Violet has gotten so much better in just a week’s time.  She’s been so full of smiles and I feel liberated.  Now we can fall head-over-heels...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:18:02+00:00
Testimonials
"Working with Angela from Babes in Sleepland, our daughter Violet has gotten so much better in just a week’s time.  She’s been so full of smiles and I feel liberated.  Now we can fall head-over-heels in love with her. When you are sleep-deprived, it’s hard to be truly happy to see your child in the morning when you have been hanging out with them all night!  Angela, thank you for your support during all these changes. Your business certainly fills a gap that sleep-deprived moms, dads, babies and families need.  With your training and expertise, you are able to take care of moms to get them and the whole family sleeping."
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/4/

Brandi, Rye, NY

"I didn’t think anyone could help, but then I called Angela.  She was great!  After working with her, my son can now self-soothe, doesn’t eat at all throughout the night, and sleeps so much better!!...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:18:13+00:00
"I didn’t think anyone could help, but then I called Angela.  She was great!  After working with her, my son can now self-soothe, doesn’t eat at all throughout the night, and sleeps so much better!!  AMAZING!  Angela was so helpful and it was so great to be able to contact her with the smallest question or concern."
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/5/

Cynthia, Old Greenwich, CT

"What I also found so appealing about Angela, is that she respected me as a mother. Her guidance kept me empowered. And she has the sweetest most soothing voice!"
Babes in Sleepland
2017-05-03T13:51:05+00:00
"What I also found so appealing about Angela, is that she respected me as a mother. Her guidance kept me empowered. And she has the sweetest most soothing voice!"
https://babesinsleepland.com/testimonials/cynthia-old-greenwich-ct/
0
0
Babes in Sleepland

Featured On

healthy-life-logo
wiox-logo
itsyourhealthnetwork
NEW LIVING LO-2
pp-logo

DOWNLOAD A MEDIA KIT

fsi_logo-cert-latest
iacsc-member

© 2023 Babes in Sleepland • Disclaimer • Site Design Graphic Design By Emily