Sleep Training: Why I'm Not A Believer

Sleep training is a highly debated topic among parents and experts. While some parents swear by it, others are strongly against it. Those who oppose sleep training argue that it can be harmful to a baby's development and emotional well-being. They believe that babies have different sleep needs than adults and that it is normal for them to wake up frequently during the night. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of responsiveness to a baby's cries and the potential long-term negative consequences of sleep training on the infant's brain development and trust in their caregivers. However, proponents of sleep training advocate for the establishment of good sleep hygiene and the importance of teaching children to self-soothe. Sleep training methods vary, and some parents opt for gentler approaches or no-cry techniques, while others may choose to let their babies cry it out. Ultimately, every family must make the decision that works best for them, taking into account their unique circumstances and the well-being of both the child and the caregivers.

Sleep training can cause trust issues between the baby and caregiver

Sleep training is a common yet controversial practice, with some parents swearing by it as the only way to get their babies to sleep, while others claim it is harmful. Sleep training is an umbrella term for a spectrum of approaches to help babies fall asleep by themselves. The most well-known approach is the "cry-it-out" method, which involves putting a baby in their crib or room and not returning until the next day. This method can be distressing for babies and may cause them to feel alone and unheard.

Babies have built-in needs to be physically close to their caregivers, and their systems are shaped by their post-birth experiences. It is important to avoid distressing a baby in any extended way, as this may set their development off-kilter. Responsive touch and movement are crucial for a baby's development, as they need physical signals from their caregiver's body to learn to self-regulate.

The "cry-it-out" method can undermine the trust between a baby and their caregiver. When a baby cries, they are communicating a need, and if their cries are not responded to with reassurance and action, they may feel that their caregiver cannot be trusted to help with their problems. This can have long-term effects on the child's ability to trust and may impact their relationship with their caregiver.

Research has shown that babies who are left to self-soothe remain in a high state of anxiety, even if they appear calm and quiet. This can have long-term negative consequences on the infant brain, impacting emotional regulation skills, memory, and intelligence.

Additionally, sleep training may not always work, and in some cases, it can make a baby's sleep worse. It is important for parents to learn their baby's signals and respond rapidly to their needs, rather than letting them cry it out.

While sleep training may be tempting for exhausted parents, it is essential to consider the potential negative consequences on the baby's trust and overall development.

Sleep training can have long-term negative consequences

Sleep Training Can Cause High Stress Levels in Babies:

Sleep training methods such as the "cry-it-out" approach, where babies are left to cry until they fall asleep, can cause high levels of stress in infants. This approach goes against a baby's natural instinct to cry when they need something, and it can lead to feelings of anxiety and distress. Research has shown that babies who are left to "cry it out" have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can have negative impacts on their developing brains.

Sleep Training Can Affect Emotional Regulation and Brain Development:

Babies who are sleep trained under the assumption that they can learn to "self-soothe" may experience long-term consequences. A nurturing environment that meets a baby's needs is crucial for the development of good emotional regulation skills, better memory, and improved intelligence. Sleep training, by contrast, can disrupt this natural process and lead to a baby's brain maturing differently.

Sleep Training May Undermine Trust and Attachment:

Sleep training can undermine the trust and attachment between a baby and their caregiver. When a baby cries at night, they are communicating a need for reassurance and comfort. If their cries are ignored or met with limited response, it can send a message that their needs will not be met. This can have long-term implications for the child's ability to trust and form secure attachments as they grow older.

Sleep Training Can Impact Physical and Mental Health:

Sleep disruption in children has been linked to a range of physical and mental health issues. Studies have found that disrupted sleep can lead to increased stress responsivity, somatic pain, reduced quality of life, emotional distress, mood disorders, cognitive deficits, and behavioural problems. In the long term, sleep disruption has been associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, weight issues, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and even an increased risk of certain cancers and mortality in males.

Sleep Training May Not Work Long-Term and Can Be Detrimental:

Research has shown that the positive effects of sleep training may not last long-term. In some cases, sleep training can actually make a baby's sleep worse, leaving parents in a more challenging situation. Additionally, there is a risk of undermining the natural process of separation anxiety, which is a normal and healthy stage of development.

In conclusion, while sleep training may provide short-term relief for exhausted parents, it is important to consider the potential long-term negative consequences on the child's well-being, development, and health. It is crucial to prioritize meeting a baby's needs and providing a nurturing environment to support their healthy growth and development.

Sleep training doesn't always work

Sleep training is not always effective, and there are several reasons why it may not work for your baby. Firstly, sleep training is based on a misunderstanding of normal baby sleep patterns and the capabilities of babies. Babies and young children do not sleep like adults, and they are not meant to. They have shorter sleep cycles and wake up more frequently, which is normal and helps keep them safe. Additionally, babies have underdeveloped circadian rhythms and may still be having "midnight parties" until they reach school age.

Secondly, sleep training assumes that babies can self-soothe and regulate their emotions like adults, which is not true. When left to "self-soothe," babies remain in a high state of anxiety, and this can have long-term negative consequences on their brain development. A baby who is nurtured and has their needs met is more likely to develop good emotional regulation skills and better memory and intelligence.

Thirdly, sleep training may not work because it ignores real problems that could be causing sleep disturbances. There could be physical reasons, such as tongue-tie, cow's milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance, reflux, or sleep apnea. There could also be environmental factors, such as too much artificial light, high room temperature, insufficient bedding, or incorrect sleep timings. Lastly, there could be psychological reasons, such as the need for more connection or reassurance during separation anxiety and developmental leaps.

Another reason sleep training may not work is that it might not be the right approach for your child. Different methods work better for different ages and temperaments. Some children may be too distracted or stimulated by their parents hovering over the crib, while others may need more soothing and a parent nearby. It's important to consider your child's preferences and what works best for them.

Furthermore, sleep training requires consistency to be effective. It's important to stick to a plan and not bend the rules, as mixed signals can confuse your child and hinder progress. Sleep training works best when a steady approach is taken, and one method is consistently applied long enough to see results.

Lastly, starting at the wrong time of day can impact the success of sleep training. Bedtime is usually the best place to start, as the drive to sleep is strongest, and the environment is more conducive to peaceful sleep. Working on establishing a solid bedtime routine before tackling naps can increase the chances of success.

Sleep training can be exhausting and horrible to do

Babies have built-in needs that guide their development in an optimal way, and it is important for caregivers to learn their baby's signals. This can be done by carrying the baby skin-to-skin regularly. Babies also need nearly constant responsive touch and movement. Their physical touch and energy help them learn to self-regulate.

Babies are not meant to sleep like adults. They have shorter sleep cycles and have the potential to wake up to 10-12 times a night. This frequent waking keeps them safe and protects them against SIDS/cot death. Encouraging deeper and longer sleep can have negative consequences. Babies also have underdeveloped circadian rhythms, or body clocks. They have no concept of night and day until they are at least four months old.

Sleep training also misunderstands the capabilities of babies. It assumes that they can regulate their emotions and calm themselves down, but this is not true. Research shows that babies who are left to 'self-soothe' remain in a high state of anxiety and do not become calmer. Sleep training can also have long-term negative consequences. It can affect the way the infant brain matures and can cause the baby to secrete high levels of cortisol, which is bad for the brain.

Additionally, sleep training ignores real problems that may be causing sleep issues for babies. These include physical reasons such as tongue-tie, cow's milk protein allergy, and reflux, as well as environmental and psychological reasons such as too much artificial light, room temperature, and the need for more connection with the mother.

Sleep training can interfere with breastfeeding

Secondly, sleep training can negatively impact the mother's milk supply. When a baby starts sleeping through the night or close to it after sleep training, the mother's body may not adjust quickly enough, leading to engorgement and an increased risk of mastitis, which can negatively affect milk supply.

Additionally, sleep training can disrupt the natural synchrony between mother and baby. Research shows that when mothers and babies sleep apart, babies may sleep more deeply than usual, which may not be the safest sleep for them. They also tend to wake less often but exhibit higher overall stress levels and more nighttime crying. Mothers, on the other hand, wake less often but experience more disrupted sleep and get less overall sleep.

Furthermore, sleep training can cause stress for both mother and baby. One study found that when infants underwent a sleep training program, their cortisol levels (a stress hormone) increased, even though they stopped calling for their mothers within a few days. This indicates that the babies' stress continued even though they were no longer crying.

Finally, sleep training can break the baby's trust in the mother. By not responding to their cries and needs, the baby may start to feel a sense of despair and become more anxious, potentially damaging the trusting relationship they have with their caregiver.

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