# Dr. Craig Canapari
> Evidence-Based Sleep Solutions for Exhausted Parents
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## Pages
- [About Me](https://drcraigcanapari.com/about.md) - I’m a pediatrician at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT, specializing in the care of children with breathing and sleep problems. I'm also a husband, dad, dog dad, mediocre paddleboarder, and even more mediocre runner. I live outside New Haven with my wife and our two boys. Once my…
- [Archives](https://drcraigcanapari.com/archives.md)
- [Dr Craig Canapari's Blog](https://drcraigcanapari.com/blog.md)
- [Comments Policy](https://drcraigcanapari.com/comments-policy.md) - All comments on this blog are approved by me prior to posting. I do expect that all commenters be civil and respectful. If I do not feel that a comment is in keeping with the tenor or intent of this blog, I will not approve it. I appreciate that a lot of desperate and sleep deprived parents come to…
- [Disclaimer](https://drcraigcanapari.com/disclaimer.md) - First off: Thanks so much to Howard J. Luks, who provided much of the information for this endeavor and allowed me to shamelessly use his disclaimer as a template. Note that all the content on this blog reflects my own personal views and not those of Yale University or Yale New Haven Hospital. Plea…
- [Imprint](https://drcraigcanapari.com/imprint.md)
- [Login](https://drcraigcanapari.com/login.md) - [login_form] [password_recovery_link text="Lost Password? Click here to reset your password."] [logout_link text="Logout"]
- [Welcome Morgan Stanley!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/morgan-stanley.md) - I hope you guys enjoyed the talk. Obviously, we couldn't cover everything. Here are links to some articles which I've written about the topics we discussed. First off, if you are struggling with your child's sleep, I have a free Sleep Training Mini-Course for parents of children less than six. You…
- [Book Resources for It’s Never Too Late to Sleep Train](https://drcraigcanapari.com/nevertoolate.md)
- [Privacy Policy](https://drcraigcanapari.com/privacy-policy.md) - Privacy Policy Effective date: 11/2/2025 Welcome to https://drcraigcanapari.com, a website (the “Site”) owned and operated by EVIDENCE BASED PARENTING, LLC, a limited liability company duly formed and existing under the laws of the State of Connecticut with its principal offices located at at 800 V…
- [Profile](https://drcraigcanapari.com/profile.md) - [member_profile heading_text="To change your account information, please fill out the form." show_email_address="1"] [logout_link text="Logout"]
- [Resources for pediatricians and pediatric providers](https://drcraigcanapari.com/resources-pediatricians.md) - Thanks so much for signing up for my list! Here are some of the articles which you might find most useful, and that you may have missed: Should My Child Take Melatonin? Five Mistakes Doctors Make When Counseling about Sleep Restless Leg Syndrome in Children Sleep Training Tools for the Exhausted Pa…
- [Scheduling an appointment](https://drcraigcanapari.com/scheduling-an-appointment.md) - To schedule an appointment, please call 203-785-4081. Referrals can be faxed to 203-737-7635. I currently see patients in four offices: 1. Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St, New Haven, CT 065192. Yale Specialty Center at Norwalk, 747 Belden Ave., Norwalk, CT 068503. Yale Specialty Cente…
- [Speaking, Consulting, and Media](https://drcraigcanapari.com/speaking-and-consulting.md) - I work with companies, journalists, and organizations on pediatric sleep — as a product and content advisor, a speaker, an expert source, and an institutional consultant. Recent and ongoing work includes advising consumer brands on sleep-related products and content, speaking to parents and clinici…
- [Supporting This Site](https://drcraigcanapari.com/supporting-this-site.md) - I spend a lot of time writing and editing the content on this site. I also spend about $60 per month on hosting fees, not to mention start-up costs. I would like to make it self-sustaining. If you have found this helpful, please support it by shopping in my store on Amazon. I have curated some of m…
- [Thank you.](https://drcraigcanapari.com/thank-you-no-sttk.md)
- [Thanks for letting me know who you are!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/thanks-for-letting-me-know-who-you-are-consultants.md) - I'm a big fan of sleep consultants as you help so many families who are struggling. I'm honored that you have signed up for my list. https://giphy.com/embed/nXxOjZrbnbRxS via GIPHY
- [Thanks for letting me know who you are](https://drcraigcanapari.com/thanks-for-letting-me-know-who-you-are-parents.md) - I started this list to help tired parents such as yourself navigate the confusing amount of sleep information out there. I am inspired by your comments and emails to keep writing. Thank you.I believe in you. https://giphy.com/embed/SiViN6pzBpaTu via GIPHY
- [Thanks so much for signing up!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/thanks-much-signing.md) - I'm furiously working on your next email! https://giphy.com/embed/XIqCQx02E1U9W
- [Thanks so much!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/thanks-much.md) - I appreciate your readership. I'll keep sending you the best sleep content on the web. As an added bonus, here is a link to the podcast where John Hodgman calls me a monster for dog-earing library books.

## Posts
- [Toddler Night Wakings: What Causes Them and How to Fix Them](https://drcraigcanapari.com/behavioral-sleep-problems-in-children-part-1-inappropriate-sleep-associations.md) - Why your toddler wakes up crying at night — sleep associations, night terrors, hunger, illness. A pediatric sleep doctor on the causes and what actually works.
- [New Podcast: You're Not Doing it Wrong, with Dr. Lauren Hughes](https://drcraigcanapari.com/new-podcast-youre-not-doing-it-wrong-with-dr-lauren-hughes.md) - Craig and Arielle talk with Dr. Lauren Hughes about breastfeeding and sleep: milk supply, night feeds, and why sleep training isn't night weaning.
- [Meta Just Agreed to Stop Waking Your Teenager Up. Don't Wait for It.](https://drcraigcanapari.com/meta-just-agreed-to-stop-waking-your-teenager-up-dont-wait-for-it.md) - On August 26th, Meta reached a settlement with 47 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories regarding allegations that its products have harmed children and teenagers. Meta will pay at least $12.1 billion and potentially up to $17.1 billion over the next decade, depending in part…
- [How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? (With Bonus Grown-Up Info)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need-with-bonus-grown-up-info.md) - Here are the reference numbers for how much sleep kids need, with bonus grown up information.
- [The Back to School Sleep Tune-Up (Plus Summer Sleep Rules)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-back-to-school-sleep-tune-up.md) - How to keep your child's sleep on track over the summer — and how to reset it before school starts. A pediatric sleep doctor's step-by-step guide.
- [How to Wean Night Feedings: Bottles and Breastfeeding](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-to-wean-night-feedings-bottles-and-breastfeeding.md) - How to wean night feeds: the exact night-by-night bottle taper I use in clinic, plus approaches for breastfeeding families.
- [How to Deal with Early Risers: The Morning Light Protocol](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-to-deal-with-early-risers-the-morning-light-protocol.md) - A step-by-step plan for kids waking before 5:30–6 AM — including the Morning Light protocol I use in my sleep clinic.
- [Sleep Training Techniques Compared: Which One Fits Your Child?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep-training-technique-comparison.md) - Nine sleep training methods side by side — what each involves, who it's for, pros, cons, and my clinical notes on choosing the right one for your child.
- [Bonus Episode: Summer and Back to School Sleep](https://drcraigcanapari.com/bonus-episode-summer-and-back-to-school-sleep.md) - Craig and Arielle on summer and back-to-school sleep: why relaxed routines cost sleep, keeping babies cool, travel naps, and resetting teen schedules.
- [The Cognitive Shuffle: The anti-insomnia tool I use when I can’t sleep](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-cognitive-shuffle.md) - A pediatric sleep doctor explains the cognitive shuffle — a simple mental trick to quiet racing thoughts and fall asleep when insomnia strikes.
- [The Sleep Edit #19: Debunking Bad Online Sleep Advice](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-sleep-edit-19-debunking-bad-online-sleep-advice.md) - Craig and Arielle debunk the biggest myths in online sleep advice — cortisol panic, wake windows, the 7 p.m. bedtime, and magnesium lotions.
- [How not to ruin a perfectly good walk](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-not-to-ruin-a-perfectly-good-walk.md) - Recently, I went for a hike with my dog. I'm fortunate in that some days of the week I'm able to take her out first thing in the morning and go for a long hike in the Westwoods, which is a local network of hiking trails where we seldom see any other people, houses, or cars. Lately, I've been on a q…
- [Welcome to my new site!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/welcome_to_my_new_site.md) - Long-time readers should mostly notice cosmetic changes for the time being, but there are big changes under the hood. I've switched from Wordpress (for the site) and Kit (for email) to a unified platform called Ghost. You don't need to do anything — your subscription carried over. If you see the fo…
- [The Sleep Edit #17: Our Sleep Stacks and Routines in 2026](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-sleep-edit-17-our-sleep-stacks.md) - We take a turn in the hot seat this week — sharing our own sleep habits, gear, and personal struggles. From frigid bedrooms and weighted blankets to trazodone, magnesium, and light therapy glasses, this episode is part confessional, part practical guide.
- [The Sleep Edit #18: Your questions, answered](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-sleep-edit-18-your-questions-answered.md) - This week we opened the mailbag. You sent in a lot of questions, so Craig and Arielle grouped them by theme and worked through them in order: infant sleep and the baby who "can't" lie flat, whether to wean the SNOO and the night feed at the same time, inconsistent night wakings on an identical sche…
- [Melatonin For Children? A Guide for Parents](https://drcraigcanapari.com/should-my-child-take-melatonin-a-guide-for-parents.md) - Melatonin is widely used for children's sleep problems, but often misunderstood. Here's what parents and pediatricians need to know about when to try it and how to use it safely.
- [Melatonin Safety for Children: What Parents Need to Know About Overdoses, Dosing, and Drug Interactions](https://drcraigcanapari.com/melatonin-overdoses-are-on-the-rise-why-parents-should-worry.md) - Melatonin overdoses in children have risen 530% in ten years. Here's what parents need to know about safe storage, mislabeled gummies, drug interactions, and the latest expert guidelines.
- [Should you give your child L-theanine for sleep?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/should-you-give-your-child-l-theanine-for-sleep.md) - L-theanine is one of the most popular sleep supplements, but should children take it? A pediatric sleep physician reviews two recent systematic reviews, the lone pediatric trial, FDA concerns, and explains why he doesn't recommend it for kids.
- [Course Complete — What's Next](https://drcraigcanapari.com/course-complete-whats-next.md)
- [Nap Struggles and Sleep Regressions](https://drcraigcanapari.com/nap-struggles-and-sleep-regressions.md) - Two of the most common curveballs parents face — and why they're usually less scary than they seem.
- [Sleep Training Methods](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep-training-methods.md) - The core lesson. Which method fits your child's age, temperament, and your parenting style? Let's figure it out.
- [Two Issues to Address Before Sleep Training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/two-issues-to-address-before-sleep-training.md) - Co-sleeping and nighttime feeding — why you should sort these out first, and how.
- [Transforming Your Child's Bedroom](https://drcraigcanapari.com/transforming-your-childs-bedroom.md)
- [Quick Tips for a Better Bedtime](https://drcraigcanapari.com/quick-tips-for-a-better-bedtime.md)
- [How Your Child's Sleep Actually Works](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-your-childs-sleep-actually-works.md) - Understanding sleep cycles explains why your child keeps waking up — and what you can do about it.
- [Welcome to the Sleep Training Starter Kit](https://drcraigcanapari.com/welcome-to-the-sleep-training-starter-kit.md) - Common worries about sleep training — addressed honestly. Your child's sleep can get better, and you don't have to suffer through it.
- [RE-AIR Episode 11: Navigating Holiday Sleep Challenges: Tips for Parents](https://drcraigcanapari.com/re-air-episode-11-navigating-holiday-sleep-challenges-tips-for-parents.md) - Holidays can be a time of joy, family, and fun—but they can also throw a wrench into your child’s sleep routine. Whether it’s late-night celebrations, travel to visit relatives, or adjusting to time zone changes, holiday sleep disruptions are a challenge for many parents. But don’t worry—we’ve got…
- [Holiday Travel Sleep Guide: Real Parents, Real Questions, Real Solutions](https://drcraigcanapari.com/holiday-travel-sleep-guide.md) - Worried about holiday travel ruining your child's sleep? Here's the truth: most of what you're stressing about doesn't actually matter. Real parent questions answered.
- [Episode 16: Napping Spectacular Pt 2](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-16-napping-spectacular-pt-2.md) - Welcome to The Sleep Edit, the podcast that helps tired kids and parents sleep better. Each week, Dr. Craig Canapari and sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf break down evidence-based strategies you can actually use. Why are nap transitions so confusing—and why do they so often derail nights? In Part…
- [Melatonin and Heart Failure? Why I’m Not Losing Sleep Over the Headlines"](https://drcraigcanapari.com/melatonin-heart-failure-study.md) - Originally published in my newsletter on November 5, 2025. If you find this useful, you can sign up here. A reporter from The Washington Post recently reached out to me about a new study that’s been making some dramatic headlines—like this one from People Magazine: You can read the American Heart A…
- [Why some kids stop napping earlier than others](https://drcraigcanapari.com/why-kids-stop-napping.md) - Nap transitions are a challenging topic— for parents, pediatricians, and sleep consultants. It’s difficult to predict when children when up a nap, and nap transitions are seldom smooth. A whole cottage industry has evolved around predicting nap timing and transitions. Even knowing this, I was surpr…
- [A Comprehensive Guide to Sleep Regressions](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-to-deal-with-a-sleep-regression.md) - Sleep regressions– a temporary worsening of your child's sleep– are a common experience for parents. They are also a common reason I hear from worried parents whose children have finally started sleep well after hard work with myself and our team in the Sleep Clinic. Fortunately, they are pretty ea…
- [Avoiding Sleep Problems with Falling Back: Your Child and the End of DST](https://drcraigcanapari.com/daylight-savings-time-and-your-child-falling-back.md) - Ahh, autumn. Halloween costumes, fall foliage, carving Jack-O-Lanterns and enjoying the crisp bite of a fresh apple. Those of use who live in New England often cite this season as the finest of the year, prior to the long nights and cold days of winter. There is one part of it that I don't look for…
- [Episode 15: Napping Spectacular!](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-15-napping-spectacular.md) - Why do some toddlers nap like champs while others refuse entirely? In Part 1 of our Napping Spectacular, Craig and Arielle unpack what the science says about total sleep needs, how nap patterns change across infancy and early childhood, and the very real “art” of troubleshooting naps at home. We co…
- [Episode 14: Summer and Back to School Sleep Challenges](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-14-summer-and-back-to-school-sleep-challenges.md) - Tips for Infants, Toddlers, and Teens In this episode of the Sleep Edit podcast, hosts Dr. Craig Canapari and Arielle Greenleaf provide evidence-based tips and strategies to help parents manage their children's sleep during the summer and back-to-school transitions. They discuss common issues such…
- [Episode 13: Toddler Night Wakings, Early Rising, and Nap Refusal: Your Pediatric Sleep Questions Answered](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-13-toddler-night-wakings-early-rising-and-nap-refusal-your-pediatric-sleep-questions-answered.md) - This episode of The Sleep Edit is all about you—our listeners. We’re tackling the most common (and frustrating) pediatric sleep challenges straight from your inbox: * What to do when your toddler suddenly won’t nap * How to handle a preschooler who wakes five times a night * When to push bedtime la…
- [Why Magnesium Sprays and Lotions Don’t Work for Children’s Sleep (According to Science)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/magnesium-sprays-and-lotions.md) - Magnesium supplements for sleep in general are having a moment. One thing that has been puzzling to me is how much topical magnsium-- magnesium sprays and lotions- have become so incredibly popular now for sleep deprived parents.. But do they work? 1. The Rise of Topical Magnesium for Kids If you s…
- [Episode 12: Melatonin and Magnesium Oh My](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-12-melatonin-and-magnesium-oh-my.md) - In this episode of 'The Sleep Edit', we dig into the topic of sleep supplements for children, specifically focusing on melatonin and magnesium. Melatonin and magnesium (and "calm" and "sleep" gummies in general) have become very popular among tired parents, but what is the actual evidence for these…
- [Magnesium for Kids’ Sleep: Does It Really Work?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/magnesium-for-kids-sleep.md) - Magnesium is gaining attention as a natural sleep aid for kids, but does it really work? This article explores the science behind magnesium for children’s sleep, whether supplementation is necessary, and the best ways to ensure your child gets enough. Learn about the benefits, risks, and what resear
- [#11: Navigating Holiday Sleep Challenges: Tips for Parents](https://drcraigcanapari.com/11-navigating-holiday-sleep-challenges-tips-for-parents.md) - Holidays can be a time of joy, family, and fun—but they can also throw a wrench into your child’s sleep routine. Whether it’s late-night celebrations, travel to visit relatives, or adjusting to time zone changes, holiday sleep disruptions are a challenge for many parents. But don’t worry—we’ve got…
- [Episode 10: Mailbag Episode](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-10-mailbag-episode.md) - In this mailbag episode, Dr. Canapari and Arielle respond to listener questions covering infant sleep, early waking, transitioning from co-sleeping, travel disruptions, nighttime fears, sleep disorders, and more. From “first daylight savings” tips to strategies for toddlers with anxiety, each answe…
- [Episode 9: Insomnia in Grown-Ups, with Dr. Shelby Harris](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-9-insomnia-in-grown-ups-with-dr-shelby-harris.md) - In this episode of the Sleep Edit podcast, we welcome Dr. Shelby Harris, a leading expert in behavioral sleep medicine. Often, parents are struggling even after their kid's sleep problems are addressed. We talk about the common sleep challenges faced by parents focusing on the impact of stress, hor…
- [The 10 Commandments of Good Sleep For New Parents](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-10-commandments-of-good-sleep-for-new-parents.md) - Many parents are worried about their baby's sleep even before their child is born, and with good reason. It's tiring having a new baby, but having the best routine for your newborn is VERY HELPFUL. I don't recommend sleep training until your baby is between 4-6 months of age (although "Le pause" sl…
- [The "Excuse Me" Drill and "Taking a Break": Gentle Sleep Training Techniques for Preschoolers and Up](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-excuse-me-drill-a-gentle-sleep-training-technique.md) - When parents think sleep training, the often think about extinction or CIO sleep training. Although CIO sleep training works well for infants and younger toddlers, I prefer gentler methods for older toddlers and preschoolers, especially if they are anxious. The "Excuse Me Drill" and "Taking a break…
- [The Bedtime Pass: A Great Sleep Training Technique for Older Kids](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-bedtime-pass-a-great-sleep-training-technique-for-older-kids.md) - The bedtime pass is a favorite sleep training technique of mine. It's perfect if you are struggling with frequent curtains calls at bedtime, or even if you have a child who gets up occasionally at night. Each night your child gets a pass (sometimes also known as a bedtime ticket) that allows her to…
- [Bedtime Fading: The "Secret Sauce" in Sleep Training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/bedtime-fading-the-secret-sauce-in-sleep-training.md) - Bedtime fading (or moving your child's bedtime later temporarily) can be really helpful with sleep training. Here's some advice on how to do it.
- [Episode 8: Things That Go Bump in the Night with Dr. Sujay Kansagra](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-8-things-that-go-bump-in-the-night-with-dr-sujay-kansagra.md) - In this episode of the Sleep Edit, Craig and Arielle are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sujay Kansagra of Duke University to discuss the weird and wonderful world of parasomnias, restless leg syndrome, and restless sleep disorder in children. Parasomnias include NREM parasomnias (sleep walking, hypnic jer…
- [Cry It Out Sleep Training Explained: How to Use CIO To Sleep Train A Baby or Toddler](https://drcraigcanapari.com/cry-it-out-sleep-training-explained-how-to-use-cio-to-sleep-train-a-baby.md) - “Cry it out” (CIO) sleep training is one of the most commonly used and recommended sleep training methods. It’s the best studied in the medical literature.It’s also the sleep training method that most pediatricians have used for their own children— precisely because it is so effective and quick.
- [How to use the“Le Pause” method to help your baby sleep better](https://drcraigcanapari.com/le-pause-avoiding-sleep-problems-and-why-you-wont-break-your-kids.md) - This weekend I met my friend Samuel at the park. A native of Brittany, he’s describing my children as “the mysterious French man”, but like me, he is a suburban dad here in Connecticut. This reminded me of an article I read several years ago about the book Bringing Up Bebe, about parenting insights…
- [FAQ and Tips on Sleep Regressions](https://drcraigcanapari.com/faq-and-tips-on-sleep-regressions.md) - Sleep regressions are a major pain point for parents. I've covered there elsewhere * Are sleep regressions real? * How to deal with a sleep regressions * What to do about a nap strike What is the first thing parents should do if their child is now having sleep issues? Check and see if your sleep ha…
- [What to do about a nap strike](https://drcraigcanapari.com/what-to-do-about-nap-strikes.md) - Nap strikes are a special kind of sleep regression, where your child who used to nap like a champ just starts to refuse to go down for a nap. These occur common around the times that children are transition between various nap periods (For more on sleep regressions, you can read my articles here: A…
- [Are sleep regressions real?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/are-sleep-regressions-real.md) - I'm going to be honest here-- I don't love the term "sleep regression" because I feel like the term is imprecise. Eagle eyed readers may note that I put the term "regression" in quotes. Am I throwing a bit of shade on the concept? Maybe. . . but tired parents still need help, even if the term is sl…
- [Episode 7: Newborn Sleep Insights](https://drcraigcanapari.com/episode-7-newborn-sleep-insights.md) - Today, Craig and Arielle unpack the often mystifying world of newborn sleep—those crucial first three months. The inspiration for this episode was Craig's new niece, who was 2 weeks old at the time of recording. Whether you're navigating the unpredictable waters of infant sleep or just curious abou…
- [Ask us anything #1 (Ep 6)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/ask-us-anything-1-ep-6.md) - In our first mailbag episode, Arielle and I take a deep dive into your most pressing sleep-related questions, from the perfect setup for your toddler's room to managing sleep challenges in children with autism. We took YOUR questions from email and Instagram. Timestamps: * [00:02:00] "What should t…
- [Tackling Anxiety and Sleep Issues in Children: A Psychologist's Perspective](https://drcraigcanapari.com/anxiety_and_sleep_with_dr_garay.md) - In this episode, Dr. Canapari and Arielle welcome their first guest, pediatric psychologist Dr. Danielle Garay from the Yale Pediatric Sleep Program to discuss the role of psychology in treating children's sleep difficulties, focusing on anxiety, nighttime fears, tantrums, and separation anxiety. I…
- [Dealing with Sleep As the Clocks Go Forward: DST and Your Child](https://drcraigcanapari.com/daylight-savings-time-and-your-child-springing-ahead.md) - Pretty soon, the clocks go forward as we "spring ahead" on Sunday, March 95h th at 2 AM. We set our clocks ahead an hour as we re-enter Daylight Saving Time. If you do not have children (and are not working overnight), this is a bit of a bummer and you lose an hour of sleep. If you do have kids, it…
- [Why Permanent Daylight Saving Time is a Terrible Idea for Kids](https://drcraigcanapari.com/why-permanent-daylight-saving-time-is-a-terrible-idea-for-kids.md) - As a sleep doctor and parent, I think that permanent daylight saving is a terrible idea for kids. Here's some information on why this is event being considered. In March of 2022, in a rare bipartisan move, the Senate passed a bill, with little warning or debate, called the Sunshine Protection Act.…
- [Busting Sleep Myths: From Wake Windows to Sleepy Teens (Ep. 4)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep_myths.md) - Today, we're cutting through the noise to bring clarity to some common pediatric sleep myths that frequently confuse tired parents. Dr. Canapari and Arielle are tackling: * Wake windows * Sleep regressions * Nap strikes * Whether you should or should not wake a sleeping baby * Teenage sleep myths N…
- [How to help children with anxiety sleep better](https://drcraigcanapari.com/help-kids-with-anxiety-sleep-better.md) - This is a recent article from my newsletter on the role parental behavior plays in helping kids with anxiety sleep better (or keeps them struggling). If you find this useful, please feel free to subscribe below. I recently recorded a new episode of The Sleep Edit where Arielle and I interviewed Dr.…
- [To CIO and Beyond! Making good decisions about extinction sleep training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/ep_3_to_cio_and_beyond.md) - In this episode, we talk about the controversial method of 'Cry It Out' (CIO) or Extinction Sleep Training. This approach, often misunderstood and feared, can be a quick and efficient method to improve a child's sleep. We go deep on the criteria for its successful implementation, discussing age-app…
- [Ep 2: Sleeping through the night (part 2)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/ep-2-sleeping-through-the-night-part-2.md) - In part two of our discussion on helping kids sleep through the night, pediatric sleep expert Dr. Craig Canapari and sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf tackle night wakings and feedings. (You can find part 1 here, including a video of both episodes). They provide guidance on when night feeds may or…
- [Finally! A Podcast All About Kids' Sleep Issues](https://drcraigcanapari.com/finally-a-podcast-all-about-kids-sleep-issues.md) - I’m excited to announce the launch of my new podcast, The Sleep Edit, co-hosted with my friend Arielle Greenleaf, a noted sleep consultant. In this podcast, we'll explore common sleep issues affecting children of all ages, helping both kids and parents achieve better sleep. Our first episode, now av
- [Ep 1: Sleeping Through The Night (part 1)](https://drcraigcanapari.com/ep-1-sleeping-through-the-night-part-1.md) - Night time awakenings are THE most common reason that parents bring their child to a sleep physician or consultant. Dr. Craig Canapari and expert sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf join forces to give advice on the most common reasons that kids wake up at night. The first step to getting your child…
- ["The Sleep Edit" Trailer](https://drcraigcanapari.com/the-sleep-edit-trailer.md) - Parenting is hard-- especially when your child isn't sleeping well. Because that means you aren't sleeping well. I'm excited to launch a new podcast tackling the most common sleep issues that parents are facing these days. Why does my child wake up every night? How do I get him out of my bed? Is me…
- [Camping Out Sleep Training: A Gentle Technique That Works](https://drcraigcanapari.com/camping-out-sleep-training.md) - “Camping out” sleep training, also known as the “chair method”, “sleep lady shuffle” or extinction with parental presence, is a technique work well for families who want to stay with their child during the training process.
- [Night Terrors, Sleep Talking, and Sleepwalking in Children](https://drcraigcanapari.com/night-terrors-sleep-talking-and-sleepwalking-in-children.md) - As parents, we all look forward to the peace and quiet which occurs when our children are finally tucked quietly into their beds. However, sometimes kids get up at night and do weird stuff. In a new series, I want to explore some of these weird and wonderful behaviors which we call parasomnias. Qui…
- [Vacation "Sleep": How to Maximize Shut-Eye While On The Move](https://drcraigcanapari.com/vacation-sleep.md) - Sadly, I'm not on vacation right now. I hope you are. Dealing with jet lag, figuring out sleeping arrangements, and working around everyone's schedule can be challenging. I thought that I would share my best sleep travel tips for kids and parents to get more sleep while traveling. Right now I'm abo…
- [Toddler Early Morning Awakenings: What To Do About Them](https://drcraigcanapari.com/early-morning-awakenings-what-to-do-about-them.md) - Early morning awakenings are really challenging for tired parents of small children. Here are some strategies for dealing with them.
- [My favorite treatment for night time fears: meet “Huggy Puppy”](https://drcraigcanapari.com/my-favorite-treatment-for-night-time-fears-meet-huggy-puppy.md) - This intervention was originally created to help young children (ages four to six) cope with trauma experienced during wartime. Dr. Avi Sadeh, an Israeli sleep physician, created it to help young children children affected by shelling in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. In a second study, he and his co…
- [Is Room Sharing in Infancy Necessary for Safe Sleep?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/is-room-sharing-infancy-necessary-for-safe-sleep.md) - Room sharing but not bed sharing is recommend in the first six months of life for safe sleep and avoiding accidental death in infants. However, for some parents, this may result in unsafe sleep practices. Here's what you need to know. In June of 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) update…
- [Want to Stop Co-sleeping? Here's How](https://drcraigcanapari.com/want-to-stop-cosleeping-heres-how.md) - Crawling into bed with your child after a long day can be comforting. But this habit might interfere with her ability to sleep alone. Learn how to transition a child out of your bed and stop co-sleeping for good, even if your child has always slept with you.
- [Want to succeed at sleep training? Know your WHY](https://drcraigcanapari.com/want-to-succeed-at-sleep-training-know-your-why.md) - Many people decide to sleep train their child when they are really struggling-- I know because I see the traffic on my website, especially in January. Parents who succeed at sleep training often know exactly why they are doing it. Here's how to figure out your reasons, so you can stay motivated whe…
- [Six Reasons My 13 Year Old Got The COVID 19 Vaccine](https://drcraigcanapari.com/six-reasons-my-13-year-old-got-the-covid-19-vaccine.md) - As of May 12, 2021, the CDC recommended that children 12 and up should receive the COVID 19 vaccine after it was given emergency use authorization by the FDA . The American Academy of Pediatrics has also issued a statement in support of vaccinating all children ages 12 and up. Prior to this, childr…
- [Why You Fall Asleep Part 2: Understanding Your Circadian Rhythm](https://drcraigcanapari.com/why-you-fall-asleep-part-2-understanding-the-body-clock.md) - On the surface of it, the timing of falling asleep seems fairly easy to understand. Once you have been awake for a certain period of time, you become tired and eventually go to sleep. The technical term for increasing sleepiness over time is the homeostatic sleep drive, as I explained in a previous…
- [Why You Fall Asleep Part 1: Harnessing Sleep Drive in Children for a Better Bedtime](https://drcraigcanapari.com/harnessing-sleep-drive-for-a-better-bedtime.md) - When I see children or teenagers with sleep difficulties, the first questions in my mind are, "What is bedtime like? What time is it? How long does it take to fall asleep?" Often, one of the best treatments for insomnia is adjusting the timing of bedtime at night. It does not entail any prescriptio…
- [Lack of Sleep is A Cause of Childhood Obesity](https://drcraigcanapari.com/lack-of-sleep-may-make-kids-obese.md) - Childhood obesity is common and has become even more of a problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. So has short sleep and sleep difficulties. Interestingly, lack of sleep is a cause of childhood obesity, from infancy through adolescence. So are problems with sleep timing and poor sleep quality. It's p…
- [Do Wake Windows Help Babies and Kids Nap Better?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/do-wake-windows-help-kids-nap-better.md) - "Wake windows" are a popular concept in infant and toddler sleep. In a nutshell, "wake windows" are intervals between naps. They are also known as "awake windows" or "baby wake windows". Although they have some basis in sleep science, there is little evidence that systems based around wake windows…
- [The Top Ten Sleep Training Mistakes You Need to Avoid for Better Sleep](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep-training-mistakes-and-pitfalls.md) - What do the families who come into Sleep Clinic have in common? Almost all of them have tried sleep training and failed. There are some common sleep training mistakes that parents make. Knowing about them may make the difference between success and failure. (There are definitely some myths that som…
- ["Snooze News" April 2021 edition](https://drcraigcanapari.com/snooze-news-april-2021-edition.md) - Spring is in the air— although some of my midwestern friends seem to have just had snow. (So glad we avoided that here in the Northeast. Here’s my very irregular round up of things I’m reading, listening to, and watching. To Read My COVID-19 dreams aren't just weird, they're keeping me up all night…
- [Seven Ways to Stay Awake in Zoom Classes or Meetings](https://drcraigcanapari.com/stay-awake-in-zoom-class.md) - Look, whether you're working or you're a student these days, unfortunately, online classes, online meetings are just the fact of life. And many of my patients have been struggling with sleepiness staying awake during online school. Some of my colleagues. I know struggle with staying awake , with on…
- [Breaking Bad Sleep Habits in Kids](https://drcraigcanapari.com/breaking-bad-sleep-habits-kids.md) - I’ve been thinking a lot about habits related to sleep issues in children, after having finished The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (affiliate link). The dictionary defines habits as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up: this can develop into a bad ha…
- [Year in Sleep: 2020](https://drcraigcanapari.com/year-in-sleep2020.md) - Well, another year in the books for you and me. Certainly, although there were intimations of cases of a mysterious pneumonia in China one year ago, there’s no way that any of us anticipated the way the year would turn out. This year there are a few things that I did that I was especially proud of.…
- [Six tips for better sleep in lockdown, online school, and quarantine](https://drcraigcanapari.com/six-tips-for-better-sleep-in-lockdown-online-school-and-quarantine.md) - (Check out the video! My kids had a heavy hand in this one. . .) As we head into what promises to be a very long winter, many kids and parents are looking at online school and working from home. I gave a Grand Rounds recently at Yale looking at the evidence about the changes that the early lockdown…
- [Insomnia in Covid-- article in the New York Times](https://drcraigcanapari.com/insomnia-in-covid-article-in-the-new-york-times.md) - I was pleased to be quoted by Catherine Zuckerman in this very nice article on insomnia in the Covid-19. Between election stress, Covid stress, kid stress, it's clear that many people are struggling with insomnia. I'm going to put together another post as we head towards another lockdown, but here'…
- [Resources from Covid Talk](https://drcraigcanapari.com/resources-from-covid-talk.md) - Please share the The School, Sleep, and COVID-19 Survey with your teenage patients. Here's a short video on a patient who received a Nature Prescription. I want to highlight the work by Brazendale et al on the Structured Days hypothesis. Here's a copy of the slides. Here are the references form the…
- [Teenage Sleep Info and School Start Time Resources](https://drcraigcanapari.com/teenage-sleep-school-start-time-resources.md) - I often get requests from students and educators interested in learning more about the start time issue. Here is my continually updated teen sleep info including articles and resources for anyone interested in teenage sleep and school start times. Here's the talk I give to parents, kids, and school…
- [How Long Will My Child Cry During Sleep Training?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-long-will-my-child-cry-during-sleep-training.md) - I get asked this question all of the time. Parents are understandably worried about how long their baby will cry during sleep training. It's a terrible feeling when your child is crying even if you know it will help them sleep better long term. No parent likes to hear his or her child cry. Some for…
- [At Long Last: Sleep Training Tools For the Exhausted Parent](https://drcraigcanapari.com/at-long-last-sleep-training-tools-for-the-exhausted-parent.md) - So, we've covered why fixing your child's sleep problem is not selfish because it is good for you and for them. I imagine that lots of parents fix their kid's sleep issues without a lot of difficulty. Then there are the parents who have made it to see me in Sleep Clinic. Generally, these parents ha…
- [How to Stop Night Feeds in Your Child and Sleep Better](https://drcraigcanapari.com/learned-hunger-nighttime-feeding-stop-night-feeding.md) - Before you starting thinking about sleep training, you need to look at your child's eating habits at night. I would strongly recommend that you stop any caloric intake as one of your first steps in getting your child to sleep through the night. Sometimes, stopping nocturnal feeds is all you need to…
- ["My Child Can't Sleep During Quarantine": What you can do](https://drcraigcanapari.com/my-child-cant-sleep-during-quarantine-what-you-can-do.md) - Is your child struggling with sleep during the Covid-19 lockdown? You are not alone. Many parents have told me that their child can't sleep during quarantine. I reached out and heard from hundreds of parents about their struggles. I found a few types of problems. Here, I review them and also talk a…
- [Is Your Child Struggling with Napping? Here's Help](https://drcraigcanapari.com/nap-problems.md) - If your child is struggling with napping, I recently wrote an article for the New York Times called, Your Kids Refuse to Nap? There's Hope. In it, I cover what to expect from your child at different ages, how to deal with nap strikes, and what it looks like when your child (gulp) drops a nap. Nap p…
- [Three Reasons to Ignore Your Child’s Annoying Behaviors](https://drcraigcanapari.com/three-reasons-to-ignore-your-childs-annoying-behaviors.md) - Sometimes, your best strategy for dealing with your child’s annoying behaviors is to ignore them. Here are three reasons why. Recently, my younger boy has developed the habit of leaving his bed about twenty minutes after bedtime, complaining about the heat (we keep it around 70 degrees). He then cl…
- [Can Babies Safely Sleep in Car Seats?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/can-babies-safely-sleep-car-seats.md) - Safe sleep in infancy is a challenging topic for tired parents. A recent study shows that car seats can be surprisingly risky for sleeping infants. Although memories of the first month or two of my 11 yo boy’s infancy are hazy, I vividly recall the screaming. It was like Green Eggs and Ham-- he wou…
- [Adventures in the No-Fly Zone: Toddler Sleep Problems](https://drcraigcanapari.com/adventures-fly-zone-perils-moving-childs-bedtime.md) - Does your child struggle with falling asleep? Sometimes, changing the time you put her to bed can make it much easier. But you may need to go later or earlier to get the full benefit. Even though it sounds complicated, it doesn’t need to be. Fixing bedtime is one of the best ways to fix toddler sle…
- [The Agony and Ecstasy of Room Sharing for Siblings](https://drcraigcanapari.com/agony-ecstasy-room-sharing-siblings.md) - Room sharing for siblings presents special challenges for parents and families when it comes to getting a good night of sleep. I wrote an article in the New York Times on the promise and pitfalls of room sharing. To help me with this, I asked subscribers to my mailing list to tell me about their ex…
- [What Bedtime Means: A Short Essay for Parents](https://drcraigcanapari.com/bedtime-means.md) - Not to be maudlin or morbid, but how many bedtimes do you have left with your children? Each night represents one of a precious and finite number of events with your children. I don’t mean that anything bad will happen. It’s more that I can’t help but feel that cliche of parenting— my children are…
- [Does sleep training reduce the risk of childhood obesity?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep-training-reduce-risk-childhood-obesity.md) - A recent study out of New Zealand suggests that educating parents about sleep prior to the birth of their child, and supporting sleep training during early childhood, can reduce the risk of obesity in childhood. This adds to the literature relating sleep and childhood obesity. Although this is musi…
- [Our Accidental Screen-Free Vacation](https://drcraigcanapari.com/accidental-screen-free-vacation.md) - This is from from about five years ago, but we have carried the lessons from it forward, although we did bring our kids' iPads on our last vacation. Last month, we were leaving for vacation and were en route to the Long Island Ferry. There was heavy traffic on I-95. I looked over at my wife and ask…
- [Does Introducing Solids Early Help Your Baby Sleep? New research suggests yes but. . .](https://drcraigcanapari.com/will-solids-help-baby-sleep.md) - Parents often wonder if solids will help baby sleep better. A new research study was released this week about solid food and baby sleep, and is already generating headlines: The study is entitled “Association of Early Introduction of Solids With Infant Sleep”, with a lead author of Michael R Perkin…
- [Eight Steps to Make Your Baby Sleep Better and Avoid Sleep Training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/make-baby-sleep-better.md) - Let me be real for a moment— nobody WANTS to sleep train their child. Although it is both safe and effective, many parents are afraid of doing anything that involves crying. I want to show you the steps I think are key to help make your baby sleep better, minimize sleep problems, and may help you a…
- [Facebook Live Chat: Weaning the breast, Weaning the swing, Sensory processing Disorders and other Topics](https://drcraigcanapari.com/facebook-live-chat-weaning-breast-weaning-swing-sensory-processing-disorders-topics.md) - This is a transcript of questions from my Facebook live session.You can watch the video here. I've also provided a lightly edited transcript below. We're gonna start with a question by Amanda. What should you do, very specifically, about frequent toddler night wakings? Besides quick check-ins and n…
- [Late to Bed, Late to Rise in a 5 year old](https://drcraigcanapari.com/late-bed-late-rise-5-year-old.md) - Periodically I get emails from subscribers to my list. I like to share some of the more interesting questions that people have. These entries are edited for privacy and brevity, and shared with permission. S. writes: He naps for 40 minutes in school but it is done by 2 PM. If we let him sleep in, h…
- [Eight Teen Sleep Tips You Haven't Heard Before](https://drcraigcanapari.com/eight-teen-sleep-tips.md) - Teenagers are more sleep deprived than ever before— about 85% don’t get enough sleep at night. There are lots of reasons for this: excessive homework, too early school start times, and the intrusion of the internet into the bedroom. Here are some of my best teen sleep tips which I suspect you haven…
- [Saving Medicaid-- One Woman's Perspective](https://drcraigcanapari.com/saving-medicaid-one-womans-perspective.md) - This is a guest post written by Cayla Lemire, a friend and former patient. Over my 27 years of being alive, the healthcare system has been a part of my life since I was diagnosed at 9 months old. Since then, the hospital has been my second home, while the staff throughout it, has been a second fami…
- [Successful Sleep in Infancy: Flipping The Switch](https://drcraigcanapari.com/successful-sleep-in-infancy-flipping-the-switch.md) - Recently, a friend contacted me about some sleep difficulties she was having with her baby: My 7 month old has started waking up more frequently in the last several weeks after a cold. For the last several months, she has slept through the night with only a single awakening at night. However, she r…
- [How do I start a bedtime routine? My child has never had one.](https://drcraigcanapari.com/starting-a-bedtime-routine.md) - A mom recently emailed me an interesting question. Her three year old has never had a consistent bedtime routine and she is interested in starting one. In this video, I answer several questions: 1. When is the best time to institute a bedtime routine? 2. What time should bedtime occur? 3. Where sho…
- [An Open Letter to the Author of “Our Sleep Training Nightmare”](https://drcraigcanapari.com/open-letter-author-sleep-training-nightmare.md) - This is a response to this article, “Our Sleep Training Nightmare,” published in the New York Times 10/7/16, by Lisa Selin Davis. Thanks to Justin Smith AKA the Doc Smitty for bringing this to my attention. Dear Lisa, Thanks so much for sharing this article, painful as it must have been. I routinel…
- [28 Rules for Better Sleep For Kids of Any Age](https://drcraigcanapari.com/28-ways-to-sleep-better.md) - Last week I published my Good Sleep Manifesto. This week, I've put together a list of ways to sleep better for your family. Think of them of rules of thumb, and not absolute. Good Sleep Rules for everyone 1. No electronics in the bedroom. No TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, or game consoles Electroni…
- [A Nice Sleep Training Success Story](https://drcraigcanapari.com/nice-sleep-training-success-story.md) - I got a nice note from Emily over at Purely Diligent, who wrote about great success with sleep training her baby: To our great surprise, with this routine, L has not cried once. Zip. Zero. Not a drop. We do not know if her phase simply ended or if the magic formula was found. Either way, we are tha…
- [The Good Sleep Manifesto: Families Deserve to Sleep Well](https://drcraigcanapari.com/goodsleepmanifesto.md) - It's time to stop settling for bad sleep and insufficient sleep. I spend a lot of time thinking about sleep. My sleep, my kid’s sleep, my wife’s sleep. Everybody does. I also have the privilege of working with families who are struggling with sleep problems. As a result, I’ve developed some pretty…
- [Sleep Training 2 Month Old Babies: Still Not a Great Idea](https://drcraigcanapari.com/sleep-training-2-month-olds-still-great-idea.md) - There is a pediatric group in Manhattan recommending cry it out sleep training to two month olds babies. I was just quoted on a Wall Street Journal Article on this practice. Here’s what I said: While sleep training at 2 months may work, Dr. Canapari says there is no research to support the approach…
- [Restless Leg Syndrome in Children: A Common Cause of Insomnia](https://drcraigcanapari.com/growing-pains-restless-legs-an-under-diagnosed-cause-of-insomnia-in-children.md) - Restless leg syndrome in children is surprisingly common, but is frequently missed. If your child is fidgety or has leg pain around bedtime and problems settling down, it's worth considering this condition. Sleep doctors get restless leg syndrome too When I was a kid, my parents used to avoid givin…
- [Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/faq-sleep-training.md) - I’'ve noticed some recurring themes in the comments I receive on my blog from desparate and tired parents. Unfortunately, the volume of comments has increased to the point where I can’t provide detailed answers any more. Here are answers to the the most frequently asked questions about sleep traini…
- [Sleep Training Doesn't Hurt Your Child](https://drcraigcanapari.com/why-fixing-your-kids-sleep-problems-is-not-selfish.md) - One of my most important jobs is giving families permission to sleep train their children because parents often feel very guilty and selfish about this. The fact is, sleep training your child is not selfish, and sleep training doesn't hurt your child. Why sleep training isn't selfish Several years…

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