ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the problem that occurs when people want their child to fall asleep without people, but people struggle to get this to happen due to their anxiety and fears. Treating bedtime fears is often a challenge for parents due to several factors. It requires a great deal of emotional strength and perseverance on part of the parent. The importance of sleep cannot be underestimated. Sleep deprivation has been linked with memory issues, symptoms of inattention, weakened immune system and less ability to fight off colds, poor glucose absorption, and a greater likelihood of experiencing stress and negative mood states. The approach is similar to sleep training, in which the parent gradually removes him- or herself from helping the child fall asleep on her own; several studies have shown sleep training to have no negative outcomes for children.
