Sleep Training with the Extinction Method

Effectiveness and Implementation

The extinction method for sleep training involves allowing a child to cry until they fall asleep without parental intervention, with the goal of teaching independent sleep onset by removing reinforcement for crying behaviors, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, 2
Studies show 60-70% improvement in sleep onset and night waking in children with sleep problems, with the extinction method producing more rapid results than more gradual approaches 2
Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine before starting the extinction method is crucial, as suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 3
Common side effects of the extinction method include extinction bursts (temporary increase in crying), spontaneous recovery (reappearance of crying after initial improvement), and morning sleepiness, with a strength of evidence rated as moderate to high 1, 2

A consistent bedtime routine with good sleep hygiene practices can promote independent sleep skills, according to the National Sleep Foundation 3
Ensuring the child's room is safe, comfortable, and at an appropriate temperature is essential for successful implementation of the extinction method, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3