Sleep expert recommends parents use Scandi sleep method on babies
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: Mavocado/Justin Paget/Getty Images
It can always be a bit of a faff settling your little ones to make sure they, and you, get enough sleep - which is why one sleep expert had recommended parents use the Scandi sleep method on babies to help them drift off in no time.
OK, so we already know about the viral Scandinavian sleep method that is so good it can allegedly save marriages, but how do we apply the sleeping hack to tots?
Well, according to Max Kirsten, the Resident Sleep Expert for PandaLondon, this practice which is super popular in Denmark could work wonders for your baby.
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The idea behind the sleeping method revolves around the fact we usually feel sleepy after being outside or exposed to fresh air and cold weather - something we have plenty of here in the UK.
Max explains: "Feeling sleepier after exposure to cold temperatures can be attributed to several physiological responses in the body.
"When faced with cold weather, the body engages in thermoregulation, a process that involves redistributing blood flow to maintain core temperature."
Alongside all of that, cold weather and reduced exposure to natural light can influence the circadian rhythm, prompting the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
"The body may also expend more energy to generate and maintain warmth in colder conditions, contributing to increased fatigue," he adds.
"Overall, the combination of thermoregulatory processes, circadian rhythm adjustments, and energy expenditure in response to cold temperatures can collectively make individuals feel sleepier after being out in the cold."
OK, so now that the sciencey bit is out of the way - let's get into the ins and outs of the Danish method known as 'hygge' (pronounced hoo-gah).
It often involves keeping the bedroom cool while using warm bedding, with Max explaining: "This practice is believed to create a cosy and comfortable sleep environment.
"The idea is to enjoy the contrast between the cool room and the warmth of the bed, enhancing the overall sleep experience. It aligns with the notion that a slightly cooler room temperature (around 60-67°F or 15-20°C) is conducive to better sleep for many people."
While it may not seem obvious at first, cold weather can actually help you sleep for several reasons including temperature regulation, improved oxygen levels, thermal comfort, an enhanced sleep environment, reduced disruptions, melatonin release, improved respiratory function and, of course, the promotion of relaxation.
Happy snoozing!