Too often families are led to believe that sleep training is a necessary part of the parenting journey. It can be a really contentious issue in parenting groups, families, and even between partners.
Often referred to as Ferberization or "crying it out", sleep training is a behavioural method used to help children learn to sleep independently. Behind the term ferberize, Richard Ferber is best known for his 1985 book Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems. His approach focuses on having a child practice falling asleep on their own and in some cases that may require leaving them to cry. Historically, the cry it out (CIO) method was used as a quick way to get infants or children falling asleep independently and consequently sleeping longer stretches. This became especially important for parents who had to go back to work shortly after a baby was born, in some cases as early as 9 weeks. With longer parental leaves and more parents working from home, I think now is a good time to examine this idea that in order to get more sleep we have to sleep train.
Easing into September
It's hard to believe we are in the last week of August. For many families, the beginning of September means a huge shift in the timing of routines. The past six months have most likely led to later bedtimes and rise times, especially for our teenagers, and it is unfair and unrealistic to expect families to adjust easily and without some sort of practice.
Set yourself up for success by following these steps for a more easeful September:
Understanding Your Natural Sleep System
Sleep is the foundation for our health and wellbeing. If we aren’t sleeping well we are more susceptible to illness, our bodies have a harder time healing from injuries and we can feel foggy, irritable, and anxious. Most importantly, a lack of sleep has a major impact on our mood, memory, productivity, and decision-making skills. It can also feel impossible to have the motivation to exercise or the discipline to make healthy food choices when we are sleep deprived. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that “1 in 2 adults have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep” and that “1 in 5 adults do not find their sleep refreshing” (Canada, 2019).
The Benefits of Taking a Break
I find this time of year super challenging. There is so much to remember, there are a lot of expectations, there are traditions that need to be withheld even when it just doesn't feel like the right time (read decorate Christmas tree when everyone is cranky, tired and hungry). It feels like there is never enough time in the day to check off all the items on the endless task list.