The impact of co-sleeping on children’s mental health – benefits and evidence

Co-sleeping, where parents and children share a sleeping surface, is a common practice in many cultures. And in recent years, a practice that has generated significant debate about its potential benefits and drawbacks for children’s psychological well-being. Several studies have examined the effects of co-sleeping on various aspects of children’s mental health, emotional development and family dynamics.

Evidence

1. Reduced anxiety and better emotional health:
   • Children who co-sleep for more than six months exhibit lower levels of anxiety compared to those who co-sleep for shorter periods. These children also show fewer negative sucking habits and consequently a lower incidence of malocclusions (Carrillo-Díaz et al., 2021).
   • Co-sleeping has been associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, suggesting that the practice may provide a sense of security and emotional stability (Barry, 2019).
2. Strengthened parent-child relationships:
   • Co-sleeping is associated with stronger parent-child relationships. Parents report that co-sleeping provides opportunities for bonding and emotional closeness that are beneficial for children’s socioemotional development (Stewart, 2018).
   • Children who co-sleep with their parents exhibit greater self-reliance and social independence compared to children who sleep alone, indicating that the practice may support the development of autonomy and social skills (Keller & Goldberg, 2004).
3. Improved sleep quality and psychological well-being:
   • Studies show that children who co-sleep experience fewer sleep disturbances and better overall sleep quality. This improved sleep quality positively affects their psychological well-being, leading to fewer emotional and behavioural problems (Segura‐Jiménez et al., 2015).
   • Conversely, solitary sleep is associated with better parental mental health, suggesting a complex interplay between co-sleeping arrangements, children’s sleep quality and parental stress (Lee et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Co-sleeping can have several positive effects on children’s psychological well-being, including reduced anxiety, better emotional health, strengthened parent-child relationships and improved sleep quality. These benefits are, however, influenced by various factors such as the duration of co-sleeping and cultural practices. Overall, co-sleeping appears to provide a supportive environment for children’s psychological development when practised safely and with consideration for the family’s needs.