Experiencing the challenges of being a working parent, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of sleep. Numerous studies have established the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on productivity. However, sleep deprivation isn’t just a contemporary problem affecting working parents; historically, women often bore the brunt of baby-induced sleep deprivation. Today, with more families having two working parents, the burden of sleepless nights is often shared.
Sleep training, particularly methods like ‘Cry It Out,’ has gained popularity as a solution to sleep-deprived babies. The concept involves placing your baby in a separate room and allowing them to self-soothe, even if they cry. While sleep training has been shown to be effective in improving sleep, it raises ethical concerns for some parents.
Opponents believe that sleep training, especially methods involving crying, prioritize capitalism over infants’ well-being. They argue that it sacrifices attachment and nurturance essential for healthy development. Attachment parenting advocates advise against letting babies cry, viewing it as unnatural and cruel.
On the other hand, proponents of sleep training emphasize the benefits for parents. Studies have shown that mothers who sleep train their babies experience reduced depression, improved physical health, and enhanced marital satisfaction. Sleep training can also help promote good sleep hygiene, potentially benefiting babies in the long run.
Recognizing the challenges of sleep deprivation, some companies like Meta are offering subsidies for sleep training coaching. Social media platforms are also abuzz with information and support for parents on sleep training.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to sleep train remains a personal one. There is no perfect data, and choices should be made based on individual circumstances and values. For us, we’ve adopted a ‘sleep training lite’ approach, combining feeding and soothing techniques to minimize crying. However, as our baby goes through teething, we’re reminded that sleep deprivation is an ongoing challenge for working parents.
