When to Ditch the Bottle
Cortisol and sleep training
A Deeper Understanding of Baby’s Cortisol Levels During Sleep Training: Initial Surge, No Lasting Damage
Introduction
Sleep training in babies is a highly debated topic among parents and pediatric professionals alike, with discussions often centered around its potential effects on stress levels in babies. As a key stress hormone, cortisol is frequently brought into the limelight. Scientific research provides valuable insights into the relationship between cortisol levels and sleep training in babies.
Cortisol Basics
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, playing a pivotal role in various bodily functions such as metabolism regulation and immune response modulation. It also serves as the body’s main stress hormone, rising during moments of acute stress (Sapolsky, 2004).
Cortisol and Sleep Training
The question of how sleep training impacts a baby’s cortisol levels has been the subject of various research studies. Gradisar et al. (2012) found a spike in babies’ cortisol levels during the initial phase of sleep training, suggesting that babies experience a degree of stress. This increase, while significant, is temporary and is comparable to other minor stressors in a baby’s life such as vaccinations or teething.
No Lasting Damage
Critically, it’s important to recognize that an increase in cortisol levels does not equate to lasting harm. A comprehensive review by Bernier et al. (2013) found no evidence to suggest that the temporary increase in cortisol levels during sleep training has detrimental effects on the child’s future development or wellbeing.
Further evidence comes from a study by Price et al. (2012), in which they explored the long-term impacts of sleep training on children. They found no differences in emotional health, behavior, or cortisol stress response between children who underwent sleep training as babies and those who did not.
Moreover, a study conducted by Middlemiss et al. (2012) observed that while babies exhibited higher cortisol levels during sleep training, these levels decreased as the training progressed, and the babies’ sleep patterns improved. These findings again highlight that the stress associated with sleep training is transient.
Promoting Healthy Sleep
It’s vital to remember that healthy sleep is crucial for a baby’s development. If a baby is having difficulty sleeping, it can impact not only the child but also the entire family’s wellbeing. Sleep training methods, when applied thoughtfully and considerately, can support babies in developing good sleep habits (Mindell et al., 2006).
Conclusion
While cortisol levels may rise temporarily during sleep training, current research indicates that this elevation does not cause lasting harm. It’s an adaptive response to a new situation. As parents and caregivers navigate the often challenging journey of promoting healthy sleep habits in their children, understanding the nature and implications of these physiological responses can provide valuable reassurance.
References:
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Bernier, A., Beauchamp, M. H., Bouvette-Turcot, A. A., Carlson, S. M., & Carrier, J. (2013). Sleep and cognition in preschool years: specific links to executive functioning. Child development, 84(5), 1542-1553.
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Gradisar, M., Jackson, K., Spurrier, N. J., Gibson, J., Whitham, J., Williams, A. S., … & Kennaway, D. J. (2012). Behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 129(5), e1081-e1087.
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Middlemiss, W., Granger, D. A., Goldberg, W. A., & Nathans, L. (2012). Asynchrony of mother–infant hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity following extinction of infant crying responses induced during the transition to sleep.
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