What If Sleep Training Doesn't Work?

What If Sleep Training Doesn't Work?

Sleep training is a popular method for helping infants develop healthy sleep habits, but what happens when it doesn't work? The process of teaching your baby to sleep through the night can be incredibly exhausting and frustrating, depending on your context. Recent studies and statistics provide insights into why sleep training might fail and what parents can do if they find themselves in this situation.

Understanding Sleep Training

Sleep training involves teaching babies to fall asleep independently and stay asleep through the night. Common methods include "cry-it-out" (CIO), leave and check methods, and gentler techniques like the chair method. A 2023 review found that 82% of children showed improvement in sleep with sleep training. While many parents report success with sleep training, research indicates that the effectiveness of sleep training can vary. 

Why Sleep Training Might Not Work

1. Parental Consistency: Consistency is crucial in sleep training. Inconsistent application of techniques can lead to confusion and resistance from the baby[2]. Sometimes parents mix different sleep training methods, causing their efforts to be ineffective. Other times, they give in at various points in the process and deviate from the plan. Inconsistency is the most common reason that parents are unsuccessful when attempting to sleep train their babies. Parents who seek guidance from baby sleep consultant have a much higher success rate and tend to see results faster.

2. Environmental Factors: Noise, light, and room temperature can impact a baby's ability to sleep. Ensuring a conducive sleep environment is essential[3]. 

3. Individual Differences: Babies are unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Factors such as temperament and developmental stage can influence the success of sleep training[1]. Due to the temperament and developmental stage of your baby, you might need to pivot to a different method of sleep training in order to see the results you are looking for or to see results sooner. Hiring a baby sleep consultant can help you determine the most effective sleep training strategy for your baby’s temperament and developmental stage. 

4. Underlying Medical Issues: Conditions like reflux, allergies, or sleep apnea can interfere with sleep training. It's important to rule out medical issues if sleep training isn't working[4]. Consult your pediatrician in this case.

Solutions

If you are having trouble with your baby’s sleeping habits, start here:

1. Bedtime Routines: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Reference this article for what to include in an effective bedtime routine. Do the same bedtime cues in the same order each night.

2. Sleep Environment: It should be dark, quiet, and between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. White noise helps babies fall into deep sleep faster and stay in deep sleep longer.

3. Sleep Coaching: Consider working with a sleep coach who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your baby's needs. With help, your healthy baby can sleep well through the night.

4. Pediatrician: Consult your pediatrician to discover and treat any health challenge that could be interrupting your baby’s sleep. Remember that even factors such as itchiness from eczema could be disrupting your baby’s sleep.

5. Parental Well-Being: Parental well-being is crucial when dealing with sleep challenges. Lack of sleep can lead to stress, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Seeking support from family, friends, or a mental health professional can make a significant difference.

[1]: Psychology Today [2]: Scientific American [3]: Baby Sleep Consultant Training [4]: Pediatrics [5]: Psychology Today : Baby Sleep Consultant Training : CDC : Baby Sleep Consultant Training : Scientific American

References:

[1] Does Sleep Training Actually Improve Infants' Sleep?

[2] Does Sleep Training Work? - Scientific American

[3] Five-Year Follow-up of Harms and Benefits of Behavioral Infant Sleep ...

[4] The Science Behind Sleep Training: Evidence, Effectiveness, and What ...

[5] Vital Signs: Trends and Disparities in Infant Safe Sleep Practices ...