Should I sleep with my child or give him a separate room? Co-sleeping influences sleep behavior across ages

Co-sleeping trends vary widely across cultures and are shaped by cultural expectations. In the West, more emphasis is placed on instilling self-reliance, often with children sleep in separate rooms from an early age. In contrast, South Asian cultures typically encourage parent-child co-sleeping from childhood onwards. This practice has deep evolutionary roots, as humans have evolved to sleep close to others for warmth and safety. Interestingly, this sleep behavior is also influenced by those who are nearby.

A study published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that animals sleeping in groups exhibit similar sleep patterns shaped by the people around them, like mice in groups synchronizing their rapid eye movements (REM). Goffredina Spano and Gina Mason on The Conversation have been researching this co-sleeping behavior for centuries.

ALSO READ: Poor sleep can age your brain by 3 years; Study finds troubling link between sleep problems and brain age

Co-sleeping in babies

Parent-infant co-sleeping has a controversial understanding due to the different perspectives of Western and Eastern cultures. Parent-infant co-sleeping is common in South America, Asia and Africa. Evolutionary researchers and scientists have pinpointed the evolutionary history of humans sleeping with their babies to ensure their safety and protection. In addition to safety, proponents of co-sleeping believe it will strengthen the bond with the baby, promote emotional and mental health, and relieve stress through the constant presence of a caregiver.

In contrast, Western societies often emphasize the independence of young children and express concern about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), one of the main risks associated with infant co-sleeping. For this reason, many experts do not recommend bed sharing. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep close to their parents, but on a separate surface, to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, some researchers offer an alternative view, noting that co-sleeping may lead to lighter sleep and more frequent feedings, which may help babies wake up more often and develop better breathing control.

Co-sleeping in childhood

Co-sleeping during childhood is also very common. Sibling co-sleeping during childhood is also very common. Co-sleeping is especially beneficial for children with autism, anxiety disorders, or chronic health problems. In their conditions it is difficult for them to fall asleep. Co-sleeping causes autism, anxiety disorders, or chronic health problems to help them fall asleep more easily.

Co-sleeping in adulthood

Bed sharing is very common among couples, but it is not always associated with intimacy and romance. In heterosexual relationships, women often experience poorer sleep quality and more anxiety from their partner’s movements. Although many couples report feeling more rested when sleeping in the same bed, co-sleeping can sometimes result in less deep sleep compared to sleeping alone.

Researchers have focused on improving sleep quality rather than following cultural trends. They emphasized that the sleep environment should be shaped and adapted to personal needs and preferences. Likewise, co-sleeping should be approached based on individual needs and comfort rather than social norms.

ALSO READ: “Divorce in your sleep” is a new trend in travel: why couples prefer to “break up” before going to bed during vacation