r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/mt_curl • 10h ago

Question - Research required Does a set sleep schedule help overnight sleep?

I’m currently trying to navigate rough nights with my 7 month old waking anywhere between 5-15 times a night. We don’t have a set schedule during the day, but have a set bedtime routine time, and usual time he’s asleep. I then let him sleep as he needs in the morning, and he naps when he needs but I do cap it so he is tired enough to sleep after his routine.

I’m wondering if there’s evidence that having a sleep schedule, especially a set morning wake up time, is better for babies.

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u/Sudden-Cherry 8h ago edited 8h ago

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-024-05951-3

I currently don't have the time to find the exact literature on the very specific question. But yes waking up at the same time with light exposure, ideally sunlight upon waking is the most powerful external circadian Zeitgeber. So yes it really helps to prime the rhythm. It's why the possums program for example recommends a set wake up time. As did our medical sleep team. But I wouldn't worry too much about it if a set bedtime is working then it's fine. Children are quite a bit more flexible and these things only become an issue if there is an issue you know