Extinction (Cry It Out)
Extinction is based on the learning principle that a behaviour which stops producing a result will eventually cease. In this case, the parent stops responding to the child's crying at sleep onset, so that the child gradually learns to fall asleep without help. The child is placed in bed awake and the parent leaves the room without returning until the child has fallen asleep.
How the method works
The parent places the child in bed after a calm bedtime routine, says goodnight and leaves the room. The parent does not go back in regardless of crying, unless there is concern for the child's safety or health. The method aims for the child to develop the ability to fall asleep without the parent's presence.
What the research says
Extinction is one of the most studied sleep interventions and has been shown to be effective in several RCT studies. Research (including Gradisar et al., 2016¹; Price et al., 2012²) has not found measurable negative effects on attachment, cortisol levels or behaviour at follow-up.³ The method often produces quick results and reduced night wakings, but involves a period of intense crying.
Potential benefits
- Strong scientific support
- Often quick results – improvement can be seen within 3 to 5 days
- Clear and simple to understand
Challenges
- –Involves a period of intense crying without comfort
- –Can be demanding for parents
- –Requires conviction and consistency
- –Temporary increase in crying may occur initially (extinction burst)
Sources
- Gradisar, M., et al. (2016). Behavioral interventions for infant sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 137(6), e20151486.
- Price, A. M., et al. (2012). Five-year follow-up of harms and benefits of behavioral infant sleep intervention: Randomized trial. Pediatrics, 130(4), 643–651.
- Mindell, J. A., et al. (2006). Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. Sleep, 29(10), 1263–1276.