Children sleeping with their parents, it turns out to be bad for their mother

For most parents in Indonesia, letting young children sleep alone in their room may not be a common thing. Moreover, sleeping together in the same room is also considered to be more time and energy efficient than having to go back and forth between different rooms when the child wakes up in the middle of the night due to nightmares or hunger. However, did you know that getting children to sleep with their parents even though they are old enough to be able to sleep alone will have a bad effect on the mother's health?

Children sleep with their parents every night, this is the effect on the mother

Not all parents have the heart to let their children sleep alone all night. That's why there are still many parents who allow their children to sleep together on the same bed.

On the one hand, sleeping with parents can support the physical and mental well-being of the child. Children will cry less because they feel comfortable and safe, and they are better able to control their stress. This is all thanks to the stronger bond between parents and children.

But when your little one is getting older, it's a good idea to start training and getting your child to sleep in their own room. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found a potential negative impact, especially for the mental health of the mother, if she constantly allows children to sleep with their parents on the same bed.

Young children, especially those aged 12-23 months, are the age group who still have difficulty sleeping soundly. They still like to wake up in the middle of the night either hungry, wet, or afraid. Most young children are also active even while sleeping. They may roll, kick, hit, and spin around in all directions.

So, the various sleep issues tonight tend to make the mother wake up too. Researchers found that mothers who woke back and forth in the middle of the night because of the "act" of their children (whether intentionally or not) reported experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety disorders, and even depression. These mothers also experience sleep deprivation of up to about 1 hour when sleeping with their children.

On the other hand, mothers who have trained their children to sleep in their own rooms do not experience these things.

Lack of sleep and mental disorders are linked

Lack of sleep is not a direct cause of mental disorders. However, there have been many studies out there that have reported various detrimental effects of sleep deprivation related to our mental state.

Putting together various studies, the average person who has chronic insomnia can have up to four times the risk of suffering from depression. Another study found that sleep problems predate depression.

Mental disorders themselves are also closely related to trouble sleeping. Experts have found that symptoms of mental disorders such as depression or anxiety can exacerbate insomnia and other sleep problems.

Then, what should parents do?

The health of every family member is equally important. So, in addition to ensuring that your child can sleep enough and soundly, you also have to ensure the same for yourself and your partner. However, how?

The solution is to no longer get children to sleep with their parents in the same room. Teach children to start sleeping on their own. Train the child slowly until he gets used to it. Initially you can separate the child from your bed, but still in the same room. If you are getting used to it, you can separate your bedroom with your little one.

When teaching children to sleep in their own room, you also don't need to stay with them for long. Simply take your little one to his bedroom, read a fairy tale if necessary, and say good night. You can give a doll or other toy that your child likes to sleep with. Once your little one seems to be sleeping, you can return to the private bedroom to rest comfortably.

Getting children to sleep in their own room means training them to live independently and be brave. However, if the child's sleep problem gets worse and even affects the health of you and your partner, you should further consult a doctor to find the best solution.