You dreamed of it? Science has found THE method to put children to sleep

The importance of good sleep in child development has been the subject of much research. As a result, we now know how much “Poor sleep quality and poor behaviors impair neurobehavioral functioning, emotional reactivity and regulation, […]”reports the media Frontiers.

The most effective sleep techniques

In a study published in Frontiers of Psychologyresearchers at Washington State University studied the effect of different sleep-promoting parenting techniques on children’s temperament in 14 cultures. According to the experts’ hypotheses, it turns out that gentle sleep-inducing methods, such as reading, cuddling or singing, have a more positive impact on toddlers’ emotional regulation, enthusiasm, attention and mood. The results show that children who participate in these gentle activities are less prone to anger, overreaction and are more sociable.For example, countries that rely more on soft strategies had toddlers with lower scores of sociability higher”said Christie Pham, author of the study.

Conversely, more active techniques such as walking, car rides or car games would have a more unfavorable impact on the child’s behavior. The results show a more difficult temperament and a more general propensity for distress (fear, anger, sadness, discomfort) in toddlers falling asleep through these so-called more active methods.Our findings demonstrate the importance of sleep promotion and suggest that parental sleep practices may be potential targets for interventions aimed at mitigating the risks posed by difficult temperament profiles across cultures.”the author concluded.

Slideshow: Sleep disorders: which plants can improve my child’s nights?