Welcome to an intriguing and sometimes controversial topic - infant stress and cortisol levels, especially in the context of "sleep training." In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the research and evidence surrounding this subject.
Setting the Stage: What is Sleep Training?
Before we delve into the topic at hand, let's address a terminology issue. "Sleep training" is a term often surrounded by controversy and differing opinions. While I don't particularly love the term "training" due to its rigid connotations, for clarity's sake, we'll stick with it in this blog. Essentially, sleep training involves helping your baby learn the skill of falling asleep independently when they're developmentally ready. It's about teaching them a new skill they haven't yet mastered.
There's an array of methods and a lot of debate surrounding sleep training. Common misconceptions link it with the idea of simply letting your baby cry alone until they give up. Words like "cry-it-out" or "extinction" are often associated with it. However, it's important to recognize that there are various forms of baby sleep training, and crying isn't always part of the equation.
Today, we'll focus on the claim that any form of sleep training causes stress to a baby, leading to elevated cortisol levels, and potentially resulting in emotional and long-term brain damage. Many parents ask me about the impact of sleep training on their child's stress levels, and I want to use this opportunity to shed light on the matter and explain why sleep training does not have a detrimental effect on your child's stress levels.
Understanding Cortisol: The "Stress Hormone"
First, let's define cortisol. Often referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol is a hormone naturally present in our lives, released as part of our daily rhythm. However, it's crucial to understand that not all crying leads to an increase in cortisol levels, and not all cortisol elevations are necessarily harmful or long-lasting.
Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in 2009 showed that cortisol levels in infants can indeed rise in response to certain stressors, such as immunisations or unfamiliar situations. Babies experience increased cortisol levels when faced with something new or unexpected, similar to how they might react to a diaper change or bath. And as parents, we don't leave our babies in dirty diapers just because they cry. Instead, we soothe them and address their needs promptly. Sleep training, in essence, is no different; it's about teaching babies to sleep, not leaving them to cry endlessly.
Does Sleep Training Raise Cortisol Levels in Babies?
Now, let's tackle the critical question: does sleep training elevate cortisol levels in babies? Many are concerned that sleep training might lead to increased cortisol levels in infants and young children, potentially causing harm in the short and long term. Surprisingly, studies have found that cortisol levels during short-term "stress" in babies are lower than their natural daily cortisol production. Additionally, overtired babies tend to have higher cortisol levels than those undergoing some form of sleep training.
In 2006, Dr. Jodi Mindell and her team conducted a study, published in the journal Sleep Medicine, examining cortisol levels in infants undergoing sleep training. The results were eye-opening. Babies' cortisol levels during short-term "stress" associated with sleep training were often lower (by 100-200%) than their natural daily cortisol production. This finding is significant and challenges the notion that sleep training is excessively stressful for infants.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics in September 2012 further supports sleep training as a healthy part of child development. It demonstrated that babies sleep-trained using methods like the Ferber (cry-it-out) method or the camping-out method did not exhibit an increased risk of emotional, psychological, or behavioral disorders at age 6. In fact, babies in the control group (those not sleep-trained) had a higher risk of behavior disorders. Moreover, mothers of infants who were not sleep-trained experienced a higher rate of depression.
In 2016, a study published in the journal Early Human Development compared cortisol levels in babies undergoing sleep training to those starting daycare. Remarkably, the research found a more sustained and elevated cortisol response in children starting daycare compared to those experiencing a few days of sleep training. And we can all agree that daycare doesn't cause "permanent brain damage" or create emotionally-crippled children.
Is Crying Bad for Your Baby?
Another longstanding question revolves around whether crying is detrimental to your baby. While no one enjoys hearing their baby cry, it's important to recognize that crying doesn't equate to emotional or mental harm. Our species wouldn't have survived if that were the case!
Sometimes, situations arise where you might need to let your baby cry briefly. For instance, when you have more than one child, managing their needs can be challenging. During sleep training, there might be some crying, even with gentle methods. This is akin to when things change unexpectedly; for example, my 2-year-old has a full-blown meltdown if I peel his banana the wrong way. Think about one thing that stresses your little one out. Does it seem proportional, and do you stop doing it because they cry, or do you continue because it's part of life and growing up?
The key takeaway here is that sleep training isn't synonymous with "cry-it-out." It doesn't mean you're causing harm to your baby's brain or subjecting them to chronic stress. Gradually working towards better sleep can actually result in lower cortisol levels overall. Yes, you can teach your baby to fall asleep without leaving them to cry endlessly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it's crucial to recognise that sleep training, in its various forms, does not equate to harm, nor does it leave a lasting negative impact on your child's stress response. Accurate information and an understanding of cortisol responses empower us to make informed choices regarding our children's sleep routines. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and every child is unique.
The most vital aspect remains providing a loving and responsive environment for your little one. Whether you choose to gently guide your baby to better sleep or explore other methods, the key is to prioritise their well-being and nurture healthy sleep habits.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the world of infant stress, cortisol levels, and sleep training. Sleep training is a valuable tool that can help you and your child achieve more restful nights, without leaving a negative, lasting impact on their stress response. If you'd like assistance with your child's sleep or have more questions about what we've discussed here, please drop me a message or visit my website at sleepteacher.co.uk.
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