ANCSLEEP BLOG

Ask any seasoned parent and they’ll tell you—when in doubt, move. Whether it’s a gentle sway in your arms, a walk around the block, or a slow rock in a chair, motion has long been one of the most effective tools for soothing babies to sleep.

But what is it about motion that makes babies yawn and drift off? And how can parents use this sleep-inducing power safely and effectively?

Let’s take a closer look at the science behind motion and baby sleep—and how you can make the most of this age-old strategy.

In the early weeks and months of parenthood, getting your baby to sleep can feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. Many tired parents find themselves turning to baby swings for relief—after all, the gentle motion seems to work like magic. But while swings can be soothing tools for fussy babies, it’s important to know the risks and safety guidelines when it comes to letting babies sleep in them.

Let’s break down what the research and pediatricians say about babies sleeping in swings—and how you can use them safely and effectively.

When a new baby arrives, many parents instinctively tiptoe around the house, lower their voices, and silence anything that might make a peep. While this well-meaning hush may feel protective, it could actually backfire when it comes to helping your baby become a deep, resilient sleeper.

In fact, exposing your baby to normal household noise during sleep might be one of the best things you can do to help them develop healthy, adaptable sleep habits.

We often think of sleep as something that happens in spite of our surroundings—just turn off the lights and shut your eyes, right? But science and psychology tell a different story. The environment where we sleep plays a critical role in how well we rest, and one often-overlooked factor is clutter.

A messy bedroom might not seem like a big deal, especially if you’re used to it. But clutter can have a surprisingly powerful impact on your mental state and, by extension, your sleep quality.

Any exhausted parent who has driven around the neighborhood at 10 p.m. with a fussy baby in the backseat knows: sometimes, the car is the only thing that works. For generations, weary caregivers have turned to the gentle hum of the road as a last-ditch effort to get their little one to sleep. But have you ever wondered why a simple drive is so effective?

Here’s a closer look at the science and psychology behind why driving can help babies fall asleep—and how to use it wisely.

Your bedroom is more than just a place to crash—it’s your sanctuary for rest, recovery, and recharging. But how that space looks and feels can have a surprisingly big impact on how well you sleep.

Enter the debate: minimalist vs. maximalist bedrooms.

Minimalists strip things down to the essentials. Maximalists surround themselves with color, texture, and personality. So which style supports better sleep—and how can you make your room work for your rest, no matter your aesthetic?

Let’s explore the sleep science behind each design philosophy and how to create a bedroom that helps you sleep deeper and wake up more refreshed.

You like the room cool and crisp. Your partner wants it warm and cozy. Sound familiar?

Temperature preferences are one of the most common sources of bedtime disagreements between couples. And while it may seem like a minor issue, sleeping in the wrong temperature can actually interfere with both partners’ rest, leading to poor sleep, irritability, and even tension in the relationship.

But don’t worry—there are creative, science-backed ways to make peace in a thermally divided bed. Let’s explore how you and your partner can get good sleep, even if you disagree on how hot or cold the bedroom should be.

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—from smartphones and tablets to TVs and laptops. We use them to work, connect, unwind, and even fall asleep to our favorite shows. But here’s the catch: excessive screen time, especially at night, can seriously disrupt your sleep.

If you’re struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling refreshed, your screen habits could be to blame. Let’s break down how screen time affects your sleep—and what you can do to strike a healthy balance.

Across the globe, people approach the end of the day in beautifully diverse ways. While the goal is often the same—rest, reflection, and rejuvenation—the rituals that lead to sleep are shaped by culture, tradition, environment, and values. From herbal teas to storytelling, spiritual practices to family bonding, nighttime routines around the world reveal how deeply connected our sleep habits are to who we are.

Let’s take a journey across continents and peek into some of the unique and soothing nighttime rituals practiced around the world.

We all know exercise is good for our heart, muscles, and mood—but did you know that the way you move your body can dramatically affect how you sleep at night?

From yoga to running to resistance training, different types of exercise influence sleep in unique ways. Some help you fall asleep faster, some improve sleep quality, and others boost the amount of time you spend in deep, restorative sleep. But timing, intensity, and even your personal sleep challenges can determine which workout works best for your rest.

Here’s a breakdown of how different types of exercise impact sleep—and how to use movement to support a better night’s rest.