The Battle for the Bedchamber: Sleep Training Myths vs. Facts

One of the biggest misconceptions about sleep training is that it means leaving your baby to cry alone until they collapse from exhaustion. This is not true.

Sleep training simply means helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently, and there are many different approaches, ranging from gentle, no-tears methods to more structured techniques. Even methods that involve some crying (like controlled comforting) do not mean abandoning your baby. Instead, they teach self-soothing skills while ensuring your baby knows they are safe and loved.

Think of it like teaching your child to walk. You don’t carry them forever—you support them as they learn, and over time, they become confident and capable on their own..

If babies were naturally designed to develop perfect sleep habits, the phrase “overtired baby” wouldn’t exist! While some babies are naturally gifted sleepers, many need guidance and consistency to develop healthy sleep habits.

Left entirely to their own devices, some babies may not learn to self-soothe and instead develop strong sleep dependencies, needing rocking, feeding, or patting every time they wake up.

Sleep is a skill, just like eating solid food or learning to walk. Some children will figure it out quickly, while others will need gentle guidance along the way.

A well-rested baby is a happier, healthier baby—and a well-rested parent is more patient, present, and emotionally available. Studies, including research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, show that sleep training does not harm parent-child attachment. In fact, babies who sleep well tend to have less stress, fewer night wakings, and more predictable days—leading to more joyful interactions with their parents.

Being exhausted doesn’t make you a better parent. A rested parent can offer even more love, care, and patience.

Babies need sleep just as much as they need food and comfort. When they wake frequently throughout the night, it disrupts their natural sleep cycles, leaving them overtired and cranky during the day.

Sleep training isn’t about ignoring your baby—it’s about responding strategically so they can learn to settle themselves while still feeling safe and supported.

You’re not ignoring your child—you’re teaching them a valuable skill. Sleep training provides the structure they need to get the rest they deserve.

Some parents worry that allowing their baby to cry for even short periods will cause stress or emotional harm. However, numerous peer-reviewed studies have found that sleep training does not cause long-term stress, anxiety, or behavioral issues.

A 2016 study published in the journal Pediatrics followed babies five years after sleep training and found no difference in emotional health, attachment, or stress levels between sleep-trained babies and those who were not.

Short-term frustration does not equal long-term harm. Sleep training is temporary; the benefits last a lifetime.

The myths surrounding sleep training can make any parent hesitate—but armed with facts and confidence, you can make informed decisions that are best for your family.

If your little one is struggling with sleep, remember: You are not alone in this battle. Sleep is essential for both baby and parent, and there is no shame in seeking help to ensure your family gets the rest they need.

The Night is Gentle and Full of Sleep—and it can be for your family, too.

Need guidance on sleep training? Contact me for personalized support!