Kind & Rested

Does the Ferber Method (also called Graduated Extinction or “controlled crying”) actually reduce night wakings or improve infant sleep?

A randomized controlled trial by Hall et al. (2015) explored this question in infants aged 6–8 months.

Families were randomly assigned to either a sleep intervention group, which included guidance on Graduated Extinction and education about normal infant sleep and bedtime routines, or a control group, which received general safety education but no sleep-specific support.

Sleep was measured in two ways: objectively, using actigraphy to track night waking and total sleep, and subjectively, using parent diaries and questionnaires. This distinction is important because what babies actually do and how sleep feels for parents can be very different.

Parents in the intervention group reported differences in their perception of overall sleep quality, as well as changes in their own stress, mood, and fatigue associated with sleep.

Objectively, however, there was no significant difference between groups: about 97% of infants in both groups woke two or more times per night, and total sleep remained the same. The measured difference between groups was only −0.2%, which was not statistically significant.

The main takeaway is simple but important. Infant sleep itself did not change, but parent perception did. Both of these can be true at the same time. Understanding the evidence empowers parents to make informed, intentional choices about their family’s sleep.

Do study summaries like this help you make sense of sleep? What other sleep topics would you like to see backed by research?

Hall, W. A., Hutton, E., Brant, R. F., Collet, J. P., Gregg, K., Saunders, R., et al. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of an intervention for infants’ behavioral sleep problems. BMC Pediatrics, 15, 181. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0492-7

✨BIG NEWS! It’s here! After months of behind-the-scenes dreaming, planning, and heart-pouring work, my new brand and website are officially live! ✨

Too many parents have felt the pressure of being stuck between “wait-it-out” or “cry-it-out” when it comes to sleep. That’s such a heavy choice to carry when all you want is rest for your child and wellbeing for your family. But, the truth is, ✨you don’t have to choose between sleep and connection.✨ There is another way—one that is responsive, nurturing, rooted in science, and grounded in real-life parenting. A way that honors your child’s needs and your own. Because your rest matters too.

I wanted a space that truly reflects the nurturing, connection-centered sleep support I offer—a space that feels calm, warm, and deeply aligned with the heart of my work. A place where everyone’s needs matter.

This transformation exists because of all of you—the parents, the children, the providers who’ve trusted me, invited me in, and reminded me what’s possible when we lead with nurture. I am endlessly grateful. Truly.

Please, pop over and explore the new site—link in bio! 🔗

And if you’ve been part of this journey—whether we’ve worked together, you’ve shared my name with a friend, or you’ve simply followed along—thank you. Your support means the world.

I’d love to know what you think! Drop a 💛 if you’re celebrating with me today—I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.