The Top 5 Sleep Myths That Are Holding Your Family Back from a Great Night of Sleep
- info4154956
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
By: Sarah Bossio, Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert
Hello, parents!
We've all heard the advice when it comes to baby sleep—some of it helpful, some of it downright confusing. And to be honest, a lot of the sleep myths floating around out there can make h feel like a huge mountain to climb. As a parent, these myths can leave you second-guessing everything you've been doing, and worse, they can keep your little one (and you!) stuck in a cycle of poor sleep habits.
After working with hundreds of parents of newborns and toddlers as a certified pediatric sleep expert and the founder of Your Zen Baby Sleep, I've seen firsthand how myths like these can actually make it harder for babies to develop healthy sleep habits, leading to sleep deprivation and frustration for the whole family.
In this blog, I am breaking down the top 5 sleep myths that could be holding your family back from a better night's sleep.
Myth #1: Never Wake a Sleeping Baby
Oh, how tempting this is, especially when your baby is sleeping so soundly. It's easy to think, "If they are asleep, let them sleep!" But here's the thing—especially in the first 12 months—waking a baby can actually be crucial to proper sleep hygiene.
Why? If you're nursing, waking your baby every 2-3 hours during the day helps establish a healthy feeding schedule, ensuring your body produces enough milk. It's also key to avoid your baby turning into a "night feeder" who compensates for skipped feeds during the day.
Waking your baby to offer full feeds during the day, is setting the stage for a consistent sleep routine and healthier sleep habits at night. It is not about interrupting their sleep for the sake of it—it is about promoting balanced, restorative sleep, where their immune system and hormone production get the chance to do their magic.
Myth #2: Later Bedtime Equals Later Wake-Up
How many times have you heard, "Just keep your baby up later and they'll sleep in"? I've heard it plenty, and it's one of the biggest sleep myths out there. The truth is that later bedtimes actually hurt your baby's sleep quality.
You see, melatonin—that magical sleep hormone—is produced in the early evening. Pushing bedtime later cuts into those precious hours when your baby's body should be getting its deepest and most restorative sleep.
So, if you're dealing with a 5:30 AM waker, moving to bedtime earlier (like 7:00 or 7:30) might be just the trick to solving those early morning awakenings. Trust me, a consistent bedtime routine can help you shift your child's sleep pattern back into the groove!
Myth #3: They'll Sleep When They're Tired
This one is especially tough for Type-A parents, who are constantly juggling schedules and trying to get everything just right. But "They'll sleep when they're tired"? That's a sleep training myth that doesn't hold up after a certain age.
Around 3 or 4 months, babies become much more engaged with their environment. The ceiling fan? It's the most fascinating thing they've ever seen! And let's not forget about toys, sounds, and all the new sensations they're absorbing.
This is when a consistent sleep schedule really matters. Instead of waiting for them to just "fall asleep," offer a calming sleep environment, establish a bedtime routine, and create conditions where their little bodies can wind down and relax—no distractions. And when they are ready to sleep, they will sleep better!
Myth #4: Crying Means They Are Hungry
This myth tends to pop up with the littlest babies, especially when they cry during the day or at night. But crying is not always because of hunger or gas. Babies cry for many reasons: they are tired, overstimulated, or maybe just need a little attention.
Even when your baby wakes in the middle of the night, it is not always about food. They might simply be having trouble transitioning between sleep cycles, or be dealing with a bit of separation anxiety.
As a parent, you don't need to rush in with food every time your baby cries. Take a moment to assess the situation. Remind yourself that they are probably just in need of comfort or support, not necessarily another meal.
Myth #5: Drowsy but Awake is the Key to Independent Sleep
This one is tricky. The idea that "drowsy but awake" is the golden rule for getting babies to sleep, is a sleep training myth that has been floating around for years. The truth? Most of the time, it does not work.
Here's why: When you put your baby down drowsy but awake, they're still in that transitional phase where they don't quite know how to self-soothe. The best way to teach them independent sleep is to put them down awake—and yes, I know it's harder than it sounds!
But here's the thing—babies are capable of learning to fall asleep on their own, and teaching them that skill helps them develop healthy sleep habits. Trust the process, and before long, your baby will be able to fall asleep without needing you to rock them to sleep.
Wrapping It Up: Time to Toss Those Myths!
I hope debunking these common sleep myths makes you feel a bit more confident in your journey to better sleep. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there, but you will figure this out too. Finding what works best for your family is crucial, whether that means teaching your baby independent sleep skills, addressing sleep regressions, or maintaining a consistent bedtime routine.
Remember, sleep is one of the most essential aspects of your baby's growth and development; and with the right tools, you can help them (and yourself) get the rest you deserve.
If you are still struggling or want more personalized advice, I offer one-on-one sleep consulting to guide you through your specific situation. Book a FREE discovery call right now.
And don't forget to leave a comment below about any sleep struggles you're facing. After all, great sleep for your little one means better sleep for the whole family!
Did you know? I also host a weekly Q&A on my Instagram. Tune in or send me a DM on the 'gram!
I work with families one-on-one all the time who are experiencing issues with their babies' naps, overnight sleep, and more. If this sounds like you, please book a 15-minute sleep assessment call just so I can understand a little bit more about your child's sleep and then explain ways that I can work one-on-one with you to get it in order.
May your coffee be warm,
Sarah
Sarah is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert based in the NY/NJ Tri-State area and has helped over 500 families worldwide get their sleep back on track.
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