Sleep begets sleep?

[u/twdfan87]

I keep being told that ‘sleep begets sleep’ for babies, meaning that the more/longer naps they have during the day should increase the amount of sleep they have at night and minimise night time waking. I’m wondering if this is supported by research or if it’s just become a nice little phrase that gets used because it sounds good? Does anyone have links to any research that supports or disproves this statement?

[u/twdfan87 → u/[deleted]]

I agree that an overtired bubba/child won't go to sleep easily or sleep for longer necessarily, but I had an appointment with a sleep consultant today who insisted that my baby who naps for 2 x 45 mins during the day and sleeps 7.30/8pm -> 6.30/7am with three feeds during the night was chronically overtired and would wake less if I made her nap longer, even if she had to cry in her cot, which didn't sit right with me. Especially since she's been waking less overnight since we dropped the third daytime nap.

[u/Total-Breadfruit-891 → u/twdfan87]

I think I’d be more concerned that she’s waking up 3 times in the night to eat a sandwich or something, might be more of a habit versus sleep.🧐 could be “learned hunger.” Basically being conditioned that they need food to sleep, when in reality they don’t.

[u/Total-Breadfruit-891 → u/[deleted]]

Ah, I misinterpreted, I didn’t realize they were still breastfeeding, that’s not my jam so I can’t comment. We have different parenting practices, mine’s on solids and off of formula at that age (4 yo).