Struggling with your baby's sleep?
Here's the scoop: regular bedtimes and consistent routines can make a big difference. Research shows that kids sleep longer when they have a set bedtime (Staples et al 2015). Plus, a bedtime routine with activities like bathing, dressing, and reading can help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep (Mindell et al 2015).
But are regular bedtimes necessary?
Well, cross-cultural studies tell us there's more than one way to achieve healthy sleep (Morelli et al 1992; Ottaviano et al 1996). In some cultures, bedtimes are flexible, and babies doze off without any fuss. Even hunter-gatherer societies, closest to our ancestors, have irregular sleep patterns and no sleep complaints (Yetish et al 2015; Samson et al 2017).
That said, irregular bedtimes can cause trouble if they lead to unpredictable wake-up times. Your body's internal clock can get thrown off if you wake up at different times every morning (Yetish et al 2015). And babies might not get enough sleep at night, needing to catch up during the day (Worthman and Melby 2002; Samson et al 2017).
So, while there's flexibility, it's important to aim for waking up at the same time each morning. And if irregular bedtimes lead to shorter nights, be prepared to make up for it with daytime naps. Remember, finding a balance that works for you and your baby is key.
For more information on bedtime routines, and baby or child sleep, please message me at laura@sleepteacher.co.uk
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