One of the classic debates among new parents is whether to rock a baby to sleep or to let them learn to fall asleep on their own. Both approaches have passionate supporters—and for good reason. Understanding the benefits and potential downsides of each can help you find the best fit for your family and baby’s temperament.
Here’s a balanced look at rocking vs. self-soothing to help you decide how to approach those precious bedtime moments.
In our busy, always-on world, getting more sleep can feel impossible. Yet, the quality of your sleep—the efficiency with which you fall asleep and stay asleep—often matters more than the total number of hours spent in bed. This is where efficient sleep comes in.
Efficient sleep means you spend most of your time in bed actually sleeping, rather than tossing, turning, or waking up frequently. Improving your sleep efficiency can lead to better rest, improved mood, sharper focus, and overall better health—even if you don’t increase your total sleep time.
Let’s explore what efficient sleep is, why it matters, and how you can improve it.
Flying with little ones can be intimidating, especially when it comes to sleep. Airplanes are noisy, cramped, and full of distractions—not exactly the ideal sleep environment. But with the right strategies, it is possible to help babies and toddlers nap (or even sleep through the flight), making the journey more pleasant for everyone on board.
Whether you're heading home for the holidays or jetting off on vacation, here are some tried-and-true tips to help your baby or toddler sleep on the plane.
Fibroids—noncancerous growths in the uterus—affect millions of women worldwide, often causing symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, and pressure. While fibroids are primarily a physical health issue, many women with fibroids also experience sleep disturbances. Understanding how fibroids and sleep interact can help you manage symptoms more effectively and improve your overall well-being.
In today’s digital world, it’s almost automatic for many of us to reach for our phones, tablets, or laptops the moment we wake up. Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling social media, or reading the news, morning screen time has become a daily ritual—and it’s reshaping how we begin our days in ways we may not fully realize.
While technology connects us and keeps us informed, starting your day glued to a screen can also have surprising effects on your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Let’s explore the impact of early technology use and how small changes in your morning routine can set a healthier tone for the day.
Imagine rolling out of bed, walking outside, and submerging your body into a tub of 50°F (10°C) water—all before your morning coffee. For more and more people, this isn’t a form of punishment or a TikTok dare—it’s a daily wellness ritual known as the morning cold plunge.
Cold plunges, or cold water immersion, have been practiced in cultures around the world for centuries. But they’re now seeing a major resurgence as part of the modern biohacking, athletic recovery, and mental health movement. So what exactly are the benefits of starting your day with a jolt of icy water, and is it worth the initial shock?
Let’s take a closer look.
Cluster headaches are among the most painful types of headaches—often described as a burning, stabbing, or drilling pain, usually centered around one eye. While they're relatively rare compared to migraines or tension headaches, their intensity and pattern make them especially disruptive, particularly when it comes to sleep.
People who experience cluster headaches often find themselves dreading bedtime or waking up in the middle of the night with searing pain. If you or someone you love is dealing with cluster headaches, understanding their connection to sleep can be the first step toward better rest and better quality of life.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is every new parent’s worst fear. It’s the unexplained death of a healthy baby, usually during sleep, and while its exact causes remain unclear, decades of research have identified several ways to reduce the risk. One surprising—and simple—tool that has emerged from this research? The pacifier.
Yes, that little silicone soother can do more than calm cries. Sleeping with a pacifier has been shown to significantly lower the risk of SIDS. Here's what every parent should know.
As the day winds down and we prepare for rest, our minds often become flooded with lingering thoughts—unfinished to-do lists, worries about tomorrow, or self-doubt stemming from something that happened hours ago. Nighttime affirmations offer a gentle yet powerful way to shift this mental chatter into something more calming, loving, and intentional.
Affirmations are simple, positive statements that you repeat to yourself. While they can be practiced anytime, saying them at night creates a unique opportunity to end the day on a soothing note and rewire your subconscious for deeper sleep and greater self-confidence.
Here’s how nighttime affirmations can improve your sleep, mindset, and overall well-being—plus examples to help you get started.
When bedtime rolls around and your baby is tired and fussy, the bottle can feel like a magic wand. A few sips, some quiet sucking, and—bam—they’re out like a light. It’s a common routine in many households. But is letting your baby fall asleep while feeding a bottle a good idea?
Like most parenting decisions, there are pros and cons to this bedtime shortcut. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice for your baby’s sleep and overall health.