Co-sleeping infants are how much more likely to wake up at night compared to those sleeping alone?

Infants who co-sleep are reported to be 2-3 times more likely to wake up during the night compared to those who sleep alone. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors related to sleep patterns and environmental influences. Co-sleeping can lead to shorter sleep cycles and more frequent awakenings, as the presence of another body can disrupt the infant's sleep, whether due to movement, sounds, or other stimuli. Additionally, the proximity to parents can lead to a reliance on their presence for comfort, resulting in more awakenings when that comfort is intermittently disrupted.

Research indicates that while co-sleeping may provide infants with a sense of security and allow for easier breastfeeding, the increased likelihood of night wakings is a significant consideration for parents when choosing their infant's sleep environment. Understanding these dynamics helps parents make informed decisions about sleep arrangements, balancing the benefits of proximity with the potential for interrupted sleep.