- Sleep training helps children learn the habit of falling asleep independently, similar to learning to ride a bike.
- There’s no specific age when children naturally start sleeping alone; it requires practice and consistency.
- Sleep training supports better emotional regulation, helping children manage fears, anxiety, and nighttime awakenings.
- The process begins by making children slightly sleepier than usual and setting consistent bedtime routines.
- Key steps include maintaining a fixed morning wake-up time, pushing bedtime later temporarily, and ensuring plenty of physical activity during the day.
- Parents can select from various sleep training methods, all focused on helping children stay calm and in bed independently.
Teaching Kids to Sleep Independently
Sleep training teaches children the skills and routines needed to fall asleep independently and build healthier long-term sleep habits.
James Craig, PhD, MA, Pediatric Psychiatry
