Get your child ready for school with these 6 back-to-school sleep tips from pediatric sleep consultant Andi Metzler. Better sleep starts here.
The Truth About Cortisol and Sleep Training: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Updated for 2026)
If you’ve spent any time on social media or Googling sleep training at 2 a.m., chances are you’ve come across a scary claim like this:
“Sleep training raises cortisol levels and damages your baby’s brain.”
As a mom, that sentence alone is enough to make your stomach drop.
You want your baby to sleep — but not at the expense of their emotional health, attachment, or development. And the truth is, most parents are trying to make the most loving decision possible with very little sleep and a LOT of conflicting information.
Make Sleep a Priority: Health Benefits + A Happier Family Dynamic
The 4 Main Sleep Training Methods (and How to Choose What’s Best for Your Family)
When most people think of sleep training, they imagine letting their baby cry unattended until they finally fall asleep. That’s a pretty gut-wrenching approach for most. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several ways to teach your baby to be a great sleeper. It’s all about finding an approach that works for you and your family and then coming up with a plan and being consistent.
The Do's and Don'ts of Room Sharing with Your Baby: A Guide for Exhausted Parents
As a sleep consultant, I know firsthand how room sharing with your baby can feel like both a blessing and a challenge. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least the first six months (ideally up to one year) to reduce the risk of SIDS, it’s crucial to create an environment that promotes restful sleep for both you and your baby. If you're struggling with constant night wakings or an unsustainable sleep setup, you're not alone! Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of room sharing so your whole family can get the rest they need.
The Truth About Cortisol and Sleep Training: What Every Parent Needs to Know
If you’re navigating baby sleep training, you may have heard concerns about cortisol, often called the "stress hormone." Some parents worry that sleep training could cause a harmful rise in cortisol levels, leading to long-term stress or emotional challenges. But what does science really say? Let’s break it down.
Navigating Evenings Out Without Sacrificing Your Baby's Sleep
Just the other day, I was reassuring a client that sleep training doesn’t mean giving up your social life. In fact, once your baby is a great sleeper, it’s easier to navigate occasional disruptions—like evenings out or even travel—without losing your progress. When everyone in the family is well-rested, flexibility becomes much more manageable. Here’s how to enjoy your evenings while protecting your baby’s sleep.
Kate's Story: Exhausted to Empowered
Motherhood is full of joy, excitement, and love. While these feelings are undeniably present, the journey is also marked by periods of exhaustion, loneliness, and overwhelming challenges—emotions that can be startlingly unexpected. The anxiety that accompanies sleepless nights, the frustration of an inconsolable baby, and the guilt that follows these intense feelings are seldom discussed openly.
