Does Co-Sleeping Help… or Hurt Long-Term Mental Health?

A 2026 sleep study stirred up a lot of emotion by suggesting that children who regularly co-sleep with parents may have a higher risk of anxiety and depression later in life.

Some experts say it interferes with independence and self-regulation.

Others argue the research ignores culture, context, and real-world parenting.

Side A:

Co-sleeping may create long-term dependency and affect emotional regulation. Kids need to learn how to self-soothe and sleep independently.

Side B:

Co-sleeping can increase safety, bonding, and sleep quality — especially for breastfeeding families or in certain cultures. Correlation does not equal causation.

Here are the real questions…

• Is the issue WHERE kids sleep or HOW supported, safe, and regulated their nervous system is overall?

• How much should sleep research dictate family choices?

• Where do we draw the line between science and real life?

• Have you seen co-sleeping help or hurt sleep in your own experience?

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