The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Fact or Fiction? Child Sleep Science with a Pediatric Neurologist and Sleep Specialist


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There is a lot of terminology and misconceptions thrown around in the pediatric sleep world especially on social media. Can they self- settle? Are wake windows a real thing? And what about regressions? 


I welcome back Sujay Kansagra who is a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine physician at Duke who has dedicated his life to helping kids (and their parents) sleep better. He knows sleep and the importance of it. He was on my show before on an episode called Sleep-training: What the evidence does or doesn't say. 


He joins me to discuss: 

  • If genetics play a role in sleep and if there is such a thing as a “good” or “bad” sleeper
  • If “wake-windows” are evidence-based
  • If there’s a certain age we would expect a baby to “sleep through the night”
  • The truth behind sleep regressions 

  • To connect with Sujay Kansagra follow him on Instagram @thatsleepdoc and purchase his book My Child Won’t Sleep: A Quick Guide for the Sleep-Deprived Parent


    Additional Resources About Sleep:

    Review of Sleep Training Data: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17068979/

    Cortisol and Sleep Training Research Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27221288/

    Short Sleep Gene: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/08/415261/after-10-year-search-scientists-find-second-short-sleep-gene

    "Sleeping Through the Night" Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20974775/

    Wide Range of Normal Sleep During First Year: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12563055/

    Sleep Regressions and Data Behind Fixed Months for Regression: https://www.babysleep.com/sleep-advice/what-is-a-sleep-regression/


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    00:00 – Intro

    01:17 – Meet Dr. Sujay Kansagra: Pediatric Sleep Doc at Duke

    04:38 – Do Genetics Impact How Children Sleep?

    06:05 – Why Labels Like “Bad Sleeper” Can Be Harmful

    08:06 – What’s the Deal with Wake Windows?

    10:31 – Why Overtired Kids Have Trouble Falling Asleep

    12:55 – Are Sleep “Crutches” Like Nursing or Rocking Bad?

    15:00 – When and How to Phase Out Sleep Associations

    16:33 – The Parent Sleep Guilt Spiral—And Why It’s Not Helping

    18:05 – Social Media Pressure and Parenting Choices

    19:30 – When Should Babies Sleep Through the Night?

    23:04 – Is There a Minimum Weight for Sleep Training?

    25:19 – Why Sleep Isn’t Just Sleep: Feeding, Temperament, and More

    25:59 – What Science Says About Sleep Regressions

    28:44 – Why Modern Parenting Creates Fear Around Normal Sleep

    30:08 – Don’t Pathologize Your Parenting Journey

    30:52 – Final Message: Sleep Is Hard—Even for Sleep Experts

    32:14 – Where to Learn More from Dr. Kansagra

    33:02 – Wrapping Up: Science, Sanity, and Sleep Confidence


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    The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician MomBy Dr. Mona Amin

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