Perhaps you have already tried the “drowsy but awake” method or maybe you have read about it and you are not really sure what it means. For some families “drowsy but awake” works beautifully as a first step to support their baby to fall asleep in their own space. However, in my experience, most families do not find success with this method. Keep reading to find out what I recommend instead!
What is drowsy but awake?
I generally define drowsy as when your baby has long heavy blinks, they are zoning out, their body is relaxed and they look like they are about to fall asleep. “Drowsy but awake” is a piece of advice is given to many families however it often does not work very well once your baby is out of the newborn stage. The problem is that “drowsiness” is actually stage one of sleep!
Why does that matter? And does it work to encourage self soothing?
This method can be helpful in the newborn stage as you are first introducing your little one to their sleep space. Why? Because your baby is naturally very sleepy and drowsy! Some families will find success in the newborn phase and beyond with this method. However, the majority of families will encounter sleep struggles by using this method.
Why babies struggle with “drowsy but awake”:
Drowsiness is stage 1 of sleep. Look at falling asleep as a “journey” from point A (wakefulness) to point B (asleep). By using the “drowsy but awake” method, you are essentially completing part of that sleep journey for your baby. So, when they wake between sleep cycles (we all do!) they will do a quick assessment of their environment and look for you to help them complete that first part of the sleep journey again before transitioning to the next sleep cycle.
In short- at some point or another your will need to provide less and less intervention in order to allow your baby to really fall asleep independently and complete the sleep journey themselves. That is when your baby will learn to connect their sleep cycles without external assistance.
What can I try instead?
Instead of putting your baby to bed “drowsy but awake”, I recommend to practice putting them into their sleep space calm, ready for sleep but AWAKE. This way your baby is going into their crib, aware of their surroundings and ready to practice completing that sleep journey. A baby cannot learn what they are not given an opportunity to learn and often as parents we believe they require assistance TO fall asleep. I want you to challenge this mindset and give your baby a chance to fall asleep without you, they might surprise you!
With a good routine in place, a full tummy, clean diaper, comfy clothes, the right environment and the correct timing- many babies will be able to settle to sleep.
Still struggling to get your baby to fall asleep at naps and bedtime without support?
Putting your baby into their sleep space awake is something you can start practicing from day one. If you are expecting or you have just welcomed your newborn, my newborn masterclass is the perfect place to start. It will educate and empower you to build a healthy sleep foundation at your own pace and provide you with a step by step guide as to how to support your newborn when going into the crib awake. It is all about sleep shaping at this age. By building a healthy sleep foundation early on, you will hopefully not have to sleep train later on!
If you have a baby 3 months + who is struggling to settle to sleep independently and the sleep situation is no longer working for you, book a call so we can discuss what might be missing in terms of a solution and how I could support you and your family to reach your sleep goals!
Rosalie Kassen (she/her)
Founder of Plume Sleep Solutions, Registered Nurse and Paediatric Sleep Consultant.
I work with families all over the world to bring healthy sleep habits and rest back into their homes. Stop simply surviving the parenthood journey and start thriving!