Why are parents told to put their baby to bed ‘drowsy but awake’? Does it work?

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Why are parents told to put their baby to bed ‘drowsy but awake’? Does it work?

Understanding Normal Baby Sleep

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Sleep happens in cycles. We start out awake, then fall into light sleep and then deep sleep, before moving into wakefulness and so on. For adults, one of these cycles lasts around 90 minutes. For babies and children, it is around half this time. Every time we go into a light sleep cycle, we may wake briefly. A baby must learn to link sleep cycles to sleep longer. If a baby learns to self-settle, they can link their sleep cycles on their own. If not, they may need help after every light sleep cycle.

Does the ‘drowsy but awake’ advice work?

Some babies will find it harder to self-settle than other babies. The “drowsy but awake” technique is often recommended as a way to help babies develop self-settling techniques. The idea is to get them used to feeling drowsy when in bed to set up the association between bed and sleep. Parents can use responsive settling techniques (such as holding or patting) to help their babies and children get ready for sleep.

The Evidence for Sleep Training

Sleep training methods that reduce the level of support (incorporating the “drowsy but awake” technique) can help babies build independence in self-settling. The evidence is based on healthy babies, who are typically six months and older. One of the most widely known sleep training methods is called “controlled comforting” (also known as “controlled crying”). Parents put their baby to bed tired but awake, and leave them to settle for short, increasing periods of time, even if they cry.

What Can I Do to Establish Healthy Sleep Habits?

Babies and children thrive on routines. Positive bedtime routines can help children get ready for sleep. This means doing the same things every time before bed, so the baby knows it is sleep time. These may include things that help the baby calm down, like a warm bath or reading a story while keeping the environment calm and soothing to promote sleep.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “drowsy but awake” technique is a recommended approach to help babies develop self-settling techniques. However, it may not work for every baby or family. It is essential to understand that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns and habits may differ. By establishing a consistent bedtime routine and using responsive settling techniques, parents can help their babies develop healthy sleep habits.

FAQs

• What is the "drowsy but awake" technique?
  • The "drowsy but awake" technique is a recommended approach to help babies develop self-settling techniques. It involves putting the baby to bed when they are drowsy but still awake, so they can learn to fall asleep independently.
• Does the "drowsy but awake" technique work for every baby?
  • No, the "drowsy but awake" technique may not work for every baby or family. Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns and habits may differ.
• What are some other sleep training methods that can help babies build independence in self-settling?
  • Some other sleep training methods that can help babies build independence in self-settling include controlled comforting (also known as controlled crying) and camping out.