Sleeping nearby provides better physiological regulation for infants than solitary sleep. Maternal-neonate separation increases autonomic activity and decreases quiet, restorative sleep. Co-sleeping—where an infant shares a sleeping surface or room with a parent—has been practiced for thousands of years across cultures. In contrast, solitary sleeping, where infants are placed in a separate room, has become the norm in many Western societies. studies that are in unity with the body of research that shows that maternal proximity such as skin-to-skin contact or carrying, is coregulatory for babies. infants who regularly co-slept with their mothers exhibited the highest levels of physiological calming across all sleep conditions, indicated by longer IBIs. Infants who slept beyond arm’s length had intermediate IBI values, while solitary sleepers had the shortest IBIs, suggesting greater physiological stress due to mother-infant separation Infants are not evolutionarily designed to sleep alone. Throughout human history, co-sleeping has been the norm, allowing infants to remain in close contact with their mothers for regulation, warmth, and protection. Research shows that skin-to-skin contact regulates an infant’s body temperature, reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and improves sleep patterns. In contrast, solitary sleeping may disrupt these natural regulatory mechanisms, leading to stress and less effective future self-regulation. babies to sleep alone, we should prioritize practices that reduce stress, promote bonding, and support optimal physiological development during this critical period
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Saturday, December 7, 2024