The Matt Walker Podcast

#44 - Sleep and Kids Pt.2

Mar 27, 2023

27:17

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Quick takeaways

Sleep training involves making behavioral changes to improve a baby or child's sleep, and it is considered safe and effective with no harm or negative effects reported.

Extinction sleep training, including modified extinction with periodic checks, can teach children to fall asleep independently and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Deep dives

Overview of Sleep Training and its Controversies

Sleep training involves making behavioral changes to improve a baby or child's sleep, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in adults. The term covers a range of strategies, from establishing bedtime routines to extinction sleep training, commonly known as cry-it-out. Despite some controversy, sleep training is considered safe and effective, with studies not showing any harm or negative effects. It's important to consult with a pediatrician if there are concerns about medical issues affecting sleep. Parents should consider sleep training if their child's sleep is significantly disrupted or if they spend excessive time attending to their child during the night. Understanding realistic sleep expectations and assessing readiness, such as the child's age and the parent's level of dissatisfaction, are key factors in deciding whether to pursue sleep training.

Understanding Sleep Training for Infants

01:56

Understanding Realistic Sleep Expectations for Children

01:16

Consequence of a Bad Night of Sleep

01:09

Introduction

5min

The History of Attachment Parenting

4min

Extinction Sleep Training Could Cause Brain Damage

2min

How to Sleep Train Your Baby

5min

The Modified Version of Extinction

3min

Break Glass in Case of Emergency

5min

The Importance of Sleep for Parents

2min

Today Matt’s discussion with Dr. Craig Canapari continues, as they delve into the science behind sleep training. Together they cover what it is and when it may be an appropriate technique. Dr. Craig Canipari provides an overview of the different methods of sleep training - ranging from simple bedtime routines, to extinction (also known as cry it out) - as well as some of the historical context behind the technique, and also the controversies and alternatives. It is such a personal choice, and different people feel comfortable with different methods. Dr. Canipari also discusses time restricted eating for your infant, and the importance of considering the long-term effects of sleep deprivation on parents.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

The good people at InsideTracker are one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you and offers suggestions regarding things that you can do to better try and adjust some of those numbers, optimize them, and, as a result, optimize you.

Also sponsoring this week are those fine people at Athletic Greens, and they are generously offering 3 benefits for anyone who uses the above link for their first order: 1) a discount on your order; 2) a one-year free supply of vitamin D; 3) five free travel packs. Athletic Greens is a nutrition drink that combines a full complement of antioxidants, minerals, and biotics, together with essential vitamins. Matt’s been using it for several years now because he’s serious about his health, and because he did his research on the science and ingredients in Athletic Greens and thinks its scientific data can be taken as ground truth.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.

Links for Dr. Canapari:

Book: https://a.co/d/07SDrVn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCanapari

Web: sleek.bio/canapari

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMemf3exT/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcanapari/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CraigCanapariMd/