C O R T I S O L
Ever wondered what the science is behind difficult bedtimes and night time wakings?
One of the biggest culprits is a hormone called cortisol, A.K.A the stress hormone!
Cortisol is released by our brains when we become fatigued in order to keep us awake and alert……ideal for your average hunter/gatherer, not so great for parents!
The more tired you become, the more cortisol is released which is why people often confuse being full of energy and bouncing off the walls with not being tired 💤
In babies this manifests itself with them fighting sleep and is commonly seen when babies have been awake for too long in between awake cycles.
Have you ever experienced a “second wind”?
Cortisol works by blocking the sleep hormone melatonin and floods your brain with adrenaline. This is why it looks like our little ones are absolutely fine and full of energy but in reality they are now overtired 😱
For adults surviving on 4 hours of sleep a night for one week increases their levels of cortisol by up to 50%……so can you imagine what it is doing to our little ones, and the impact his has on their bedtime routine?
If you want to know more about cortisol or if your little one is having difficulties with sleep then contact me now for your FREE 15 minute telephone consultation to see how sleep coaching could help you, I have the answers you are looking for!
soundasleepcoaching.com 