top of page
black and white image of mother holding babies hand

BEDTIME BLOGS

Insights from The Pediatric Sleep Nurse

The More Baby Sleeps, The More They Sleep: Unraveling the Sleep Paradox

As a pediatric sleep consultant and registered nurse, I've helped countless parents overcome their children's sleep problems. One surprising benefit I've noticed is that when infants and toddlers start sleeping better, they often start eating better too. This connection between healthy sleep habits and improved feeding is crucial for parents struggling with both sleep deprivation and feeding difficulties. Let's explore why this happens and how improving your child's sleep can lead to easier, more successful feedings!


little baby sleeping soundly in crib

Understanding the Sleep-Sleep Connection


At first glance, it might seem logical that keeping a baby awake longer would make them sleep better. However, for parents seeking baby sleep help, the opposite is true. Here's why:


  1. Sleep begets sleep:  When babies get adequate sleep, their bodies regulate sleep hormones more effectively, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

  2. Preventing overtiredness:  Well-rested babies are less likely to become overtired, a state that paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall asleep and can lead to sleep regression.

  3. Regulating cortisol levels:  Proper sleep helps keep stress hormone (cortisol) levels in check, promoting easier and more restful sleep. This is crucial for solving common baby sleep problems.


Signs of an Overtired Baby


When babies don't get enough sleep, they can become overtired. For parents researching baby sleep training, recognizing these signs is crucial:


  • Difficulty falling asleep or sleep onset issues

  • Short naps or cat napping

  • Frequent night wakings

  • Irritability and fussiness

  • Jerky arm movements and overactive limbs

  • Fighting sleep or bedtime battles


The Benefits of Adequate Sleep


When babies are well-rested and sleep-trained, parents often notice:


  1. Easier bedtimes:  Babies don't fight sleep because their bodies are primed for it, reducing bedtime struggles.

  2. Decreased cortisol levels:  This stress hormone drops, leading to more peaceful sleep and fewer sleep disturbances.

  3. No-cry sleep:  Well-rested babies can often fall asleep without crying, a goal for many parents!

  4. Shorter awake windows:  Surprisingly, well-rested babies often have shorter awake periods because they fall asleep more easily.  They don’t lay in their crib fighting sleep, instead they fall asleep quickly and peacefully.

  5. Better naps and nighttime sleep:  Overall sleep quality improves across all sleep periods, including daytime naps and overnight sleep.


The Sleep Training Journey


In my practice as an infant sleep specialist, I've observed a common pattern when families commit to sleep training:


  1. Initially, overtired babies may have longer awake windows as they struggle with sleep difficulties due to high cortisol levels and restlessness.

  2. As sleep training progresses and babies learn to self-soothe and sleep independently, their cortisol levels decrease.

  3. With lower cortisol and better sleep skills, babies start falling asleep more quickly and easily, often without sleep aids or sleep associations.

  4. This leads to a positive cycle: better nighttime sleep improves naps, and better naps contribute to easier nighttime sleep, solving many common sleep issues.


Real-Life Example: The Power of Sleep Training


To illustrate how "the more a baby sleeps, the more they sleep," let me share a recent case from my practice:


I was working with parents of a three-month-old who was struggling with naps. Despite having an age-appropriate wake window of 1.5 hours, this baby was fighting sleep and staying awake for up to two hours. During nap times, he would display clear signs of overtiredness:


  • Flailing arms and legs

  • Crying in the crib

  • Unable to settle for up to 30 minutes

  • Overactive limbs (a clear sign of high cortisol levels)


These behaviors were classic indicators of an overtired baby with elevated cortisol levels. The result? Short naps lasting only 30 minutes at most.


We implemented a sleep training plan focused on teaching independent sleep skills. Here's what happened:


  • After just a few days of consistent practice, the baby started falling asleep within 15 minutes of being put down.

  • His wake window naturally decreased to the appropriate 1.5 hours for his age.

  • Naps extended dramatically, ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours long.

  • Most importantly, he began falling asleep peacefully, without overactive limbs or fighting sleep.


This real-life example perfectly demonstrates our principle: the more he slept, the more he was able to sleep. By reducing overtiredness and regulating his sleep patterns, this baby's overall sleep quality and duration improved significantly.


Putting It Into Practice


To harness the power of "more sleep leads to more sleep" and improve your baby's sleep habits, consider these baby sleep tips:


  1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule: Regular nap times and bedtimes help regulate your baby's internal clock and circadian rhythm.

  2. Watch for sleep cues: Respond to your baby's tiredness signals promptly to prevent overtiredness and promote healthy sleep patterns.

  3. Create a calming bedtime routine:  This helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep and can reduce bedtime anxiety.

  4. Teach independent sleep skills:  This is crucial for helping your baby self-soothe and fall asleep on their own, a key aspect of sleep training.


Important Disclaimer: Balanced Sleep is Key


While the principle "the more sleep, the more sleep" holds true, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean letting your baby sleep all day long. Oversleeping during the day can indeed lead to poor nighttime sleep. There are actually maximum daily sleep amounts for every month of a baby's life, which need to be balanced between daytime naps and nighttime sleep.


Proper sleep scheduling is about finding the right balance – enough sleep to prevent overtiredness, but not so much that it disrupts nighttime rest. Every baby has unique sleep needs that change as they grow. For a detailed breakdown of age-appropriate sleep amounts and schedules, including maximum daily sleep totals, please refer to my comprehensive e-book on baby sleep patterns.


The goal is to achieve balanced, quality sleep that supports your baby's development and ensures restful nights for the whole family.


Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. If you're struggling with your baby's sleep patterns or experiencing persistent sleep problems, don't hesitate to seek professional help. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I'm here to create a customized sleep plan that works for your family and addresses your specific baby sleep concerns.


 

Feeling overwhelmed by all this sleep talk? Need a little extra guidance? Book an Expert Strategy Session with me or sign up for my Premium Support package and get ready to conquer sleep like a pro!


Explore Sleep Support by Age:




thorne the pediatric sleep nurse holdng a baby in overalls

Hi! I'm Thorne

My goal is to make the journey to restful sleep clear, simple, and achievable for every family.

Categories
The pediatric sleep nurse holding a baby in overalls

Hi! I'm Thorne

My goal is to make the journey to restful sleep clear, simple, and achievable for every family.

Categories
bottom of page