If sleep deprivation is exhausting you, research suggests that gentle sleep techniques can actually help. Studies show that letting your baby cry for gradually longer periods or slowly moving bedtime earlier both reduce night wakings and help babies fall asleep faster—and evidence suggests neither method increases stress for your baby (measured through saliva cortisol) or harms your bond. A year later, babies who used these methods had no more emotional or behavioral problems than other children. The catch? What works varies widely depending on your baby's temperament and your parenting style. If you're considering sleep training, talk with your pediatrician about approaches that match your family's values. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but research supports that targeted help makes a real difference.