Sleep Training Science

When people ask me what I do, I tell them I am a sleep consultant (among other things), I help parents with their baby’s sleep. I sometimes get the response, “Oh so you use Cry It Out?”. And it really surprises them when I respond, “Not often!”

There is so much more to “sleep training”, (and I don’t even like that terminology) than just letting your baby cry in order to sleep. I educate my clients on the science of sleep; when babies get tired, how they get tired, how that changes as they age, and any other curveballs that we may encounter along the way.

So this article really spoke to me. Sleep training does not have to be all or nothing. It doesn’t have to be Cry it out or Co-sleeping Til They Are 20. Every family is different, every baby is different and so parents need help that is tailored to their experience and comfort level. Take a read through it!

And reach out if you need help! Each of my packages are specific to your child and your family.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/07/15/730339536/sleep-training-truths-what-science-can-and-cant-tell-us-about-crying-it-out

Adults and Sleep

I know I talk about infants and kids sleep here a lot. And yes, it’s super important that your child get the rest they need. But what about you? I am just as guilty of not getting the rest I need as any other parent! I stay up late doing work, researching, snacking, working out, watching shows (where my Game of Thrones fans at?!) and spending time with my husband. It’s a badge of honor we wear as parents. Stay up late for some desperately needed adult and alone time.

What can we do? Do we give up that coveted downtime? Do we let our homes fall to pieces? No. But I ask myself each night to go to bed 15 mins earlier than I did the night before. Sometimes, I have a week long streak of abiding by that rule. And I feel great. More rested and somehow more efficient. So I try to keep that in mind on the nights I think “no, I can’t give up even 15 minutes”. Try it. See how you feel after a week of just going to bed 15 mins earlier than you did the night before.

Here is a link to an awesome article highlighting the issue in adult sleep! I think you’ll find yourself doing what I did as I read, “Yep. Yep. That’s me”. 

Wake up, America: You're fooling yourself about sleep, study says

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/16/health/sleep-myths-facts-study/index.html