Source
r/Parenting•
cfm76

Can playing lullabies during the night cause my son to be more tired during the day (cross post from /r/autism)

My son, who is four and on the spectrum, has been having trouble sleeping during the night. This has had an effect on the amount of sleep that my wife and I have been getting. In other words, we are sleep deprived. I have found that playing lullabies during the entire night helps him have a better night sleep, but my wife believes that it is harmful to him. I have done some searching on the internet but can not seem to find any definitive information regarding the effects of playing lullabies (classical music) during the whole night for children. Does anyone know of a source of information that would help us make a decision on the matter?

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I really appreciate this community, you all have provided me a great deal of hope and support.

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Edit: side note, I play them on a loop, but the songs are quite long... and here is the list of songs I've been playing for him:

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I do not let him watch the video, he just listens to the music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi12K9uAd98 - Hush little baby ( the one I play most often )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJpEAPk_-xI&t=3236s - Twinkle twinkle little star

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhGm5LrBDs- Brahms' Lullaby

Posted Dec 20, 2018, 11:23 PM UTC

26
hereiamtosavetheday_•

Her objection doesn't even make sense. You could also - if it works - try something like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZdlLh-Oc5k
Why yes, it IS my favorite bedtime 'noise machine' video. Keeps me asleep!

4
cfm76OP•

I love sleep machines personally.

1
bottomly•

playing lullabies during the entire night helps him have a better night sleep

Then play them. For all of your sakes.

Kids (and parents!) need quality sleep, and there's actually a fair amount of solid research that supports music, especially classical b/c of the cadence and rhythm. Just stay away from Nine Inch Nails or Marilyn Manson and you're all Zzzzzzzzzzzz!

2
UnblinkingLycopene•

My son has listened to the radio (top 40/ rap/ country/ ball games) for years all night as he sleeps. He's fine.

1
PlaysOneIRL•

It’s an interesting concern and I’ve heard others worry about it before. I think it’s based on the idea that listening to music while we sleep will somehow interfere with our rest because it keeps our brains awake/alert.

I did some quick research on my mobile and found this. That should help you down the rabbit hole of research on the topic. But in general, it sounds like it’s fine to play the music as long as it is soothing.

1
cfm76OP•

Thanks you very much :)

1