Do sleep trained babies have higher cortisol?

Our bodies naturally produce a hormone called cortisol, which helps us function day-to-day. Although it is often identified as a "stress hormone," it actually aids in regulating our sleep cycles, metabolism, and immune response. The level of cortisol our body produces will rise and fall at different parts of the day. We have peak amounts of cortisol in the morning to help us wake up and reduced levels later in the day to promote sleep.

Besides usual fluctuations in cortisol levels to help us go about our day, cortisol levels will temporarily rise when babies have crying spells. This is a normal autonomic response that enables our body to face challenges. There are some parents who are concerned that the interum spike in cortisol during the sleep training phase may result in long-term repercussions. Today, we will talk about this in-depth.

Does Crying Increase Cortisol In Babies

While sleep training, we are making changes to how a baby used to fall asleep and some level of crying is expected as baby adapts to these changes. This is how babies communicate to us. Cortisol levels will momentarily increase during this transitional phase of sleep training, but it will once again subside which means baby is not going through chronic stress.

Pediatrics published a study which looked at the long-term impact of sleep training infants. They discovered no significant differences in cortisol levels when comparing babies who were sleep trained versus not sleep trained. These findings were consistent in both short-term and up to five years follow-ups. This demonstrates that chronically elevated cortisol levels do not result from sleep training.

BBC reported a separate study which brought to light that while sleep training techniques that involve controlled crying may momentarily increase stress hormones, cortisol levels return to normal levels as babies adapt to independent sleep. What is of greater significance is the study found no long-term pyschological or behavioral negative effects caused by sleep training.

Health Benefits of Long-Term Sleep for Babies

Babies who sleep well and have good sleep patterns equally benefit both baby and parent. In fact, chronic babies who get inadequate sleep can interfere with the body's natural cortisol levels, thereby adversely affecting baby's emotional state and general health. Babies who are sleep trained and can fall asleep independently experience better quality sleep, which promotes healthier emotional and stress regulation and general growth.

Studies have shown that babies who are sleep trained typically have more restful sleep and without repercussions to their emotional regulation. Journal of Pediatrics published a study concluding baby sleep training also did not have adverse effects on the parent-infant relationship or the child's growth up to five years post-intervention.

Balancing crying and sleep training

Still, parents who are anxious about the potential side effects from baby sleep training need to choose a sleep training approach that can both consistently yet supportively give your baby improved sleep. Sleep training techniques which allow parents to "camp out" in their child's room during sleep training can provide consolation for both parent and child. This method gradually helps baby develop self-soothing skills while still providing support.

It is essential to remember that brief incidences of elevated cortisol during sleep training are part of the adjustment process and is normal. Stay focused on the long-lasting value of healthy sleep habits which outweigh the interim hurdles faced during intial sleep training. Better sleep contributes to better well-being for the entire family.

Remember, if you need sleep support during sleep training, you can set up a free sleep assessment call with me to discuss my custom sleep training philosophy – my mission is to ensure every parent feels confident and empowered. I have supported more than 460 families through their sleep training journey. Sleep is an essential component of health, and establishing good sleep habits is a valuable investment in your child's future well being.