AH Sleep Specialists

14/06/2026

Cortisol & Sleep Training

If you've spent any time researching baby sleep, you've probably come across conversations about cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone".

For many parents, hearing that cortisol levels can temporarily rise when a baby cries can feel worrying. It's understandable to want reassurance that the choices you're making are supporting your child's wellbeing.

The good news is that current research tells us that temporary increases in cortisol during periods of stress are a normal part of human biology. In fact, cortisol plays an important role in regulating sleep, alertness, metabolism, and our body's response to challenges.

When it comes to sleep training, many of the concerns surrounding cortisol are not supported by the evidence.

As sleep specialists, our role is never to tell families what they should do. Instead, we believe in providing balanced, evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions that feel right for your family.

Because sleep is about so much more than getting through the night.

It's about supporting the wellbeing of the whole family, helping everyone wake feeling more rested, connected, and able to enjoy life together.

To learn more about cortisol, sleep training, and what the research actually says, read our latest blog via the link below.

Cortisol and sleep training, how does it work? We have helped more than 1500 families teach their children to sleep well. Sleep is a vital component of health. AH Sleep Specialists.

13/06/2026

I will be the first to admit, I certainly don’t have it all figured out.

The truth is, I don’t think any of us do.

But then come those moments: When those tiny hands reaching for mine.
Eyes lighting up just because I walked into the room.
A quiet pause that whispers, this is what truly matters.

Motherhood was never meant to be a performance of perfection.
It’s a practice in presence.
In showing up, tired, stretched, uncertain and choosing connection anyway.

Because to them? You are the answer.
Not because you’re flawless.
But because you’re there.
You are their safe place.

So if you're navigating a season that feels heavy, chaotic, or like you’re winging it more than you’d like, just know that you are not alone.

And you are doing so much better than you give yourself credit for.

Those little humans don’t need you to be perfect.
They just need you — present, real, and loving.

And that, is more than enough. 💛

Tag a parent in the comments who is doing an incredible job.

07/06/2026

💤 Dopamine & Sleep 💤

Ever wondered why your child seems full of energy right when it's time for bed?

Dopamine may be playing a role.

Dopamine is a natural brain chemical that helps us feel alert, motivated, and engaged. It's incredibly helpful during the day, supporting learning, focus, and enjoyment.

But when children are exposed to lots of stimulating activities close to bedtime, whether that's screens, exciting play, or highly engaging content, dopamine levels can remain elevated, making it harder for their brains and bodies to transition into sleep mode.

The good news? A consistent bedtime routine and calming activities can help support a smoother wind-down and make falling asleep easier.

I've shared 5 simple ways to help your child wind down before bed in my latest blog.

⬇️ Read the blog below and discover some practical strategies you can start using tonight.

https://ahsleepspecialists.com.au/dopamine-and-sleep/

06/06/2026

Is your child's bedroom too hot or too cold?

As the cooler weather sets in, many parents focus on keeping their child warm overnight. But when it comes to sleep, temperature matters more than you might think.

Research suggests that a cooler sleep environment can help support better quality sleep, as our bodies naturally lower their core temperature as we prepare for sleep. When a room is too warm, it can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

For children in a bed, the cooler the better. Around 18 degrees is typically where I suggest the room sits. It can get colder than this during the night, as they can snuggle under their doonas, pull on a blanket if needed.

Some simple ways to create a sleep-friendly environment this winter:

✓ Dress your child in appropriate sleepwear rather than relying on heavy blankets

✓ Check room temperature before bedtime

✓ Use layers that can be adjusted overnight if needed

✓ Ensure the room is well ventilated where possible

Remember, every child is different. The goal isn't perfection (as there is no such thing!). It's creating a comfortable environment that supports restful sleep.

As always for any further questions, please feel free to book in a free evaluation.

06/06/2026

Is your child's bedroom too hot or too cold?

As the cooler weather sets in, many parents focus on keeping their child warm overnight. But when it comes to sleep, temperature matters more than you might think.

Research suggests that a cooler sleep environment can help support better quality sleep, as our bodies naturally lower their core temperature as we prepare for sleep. When a room is too warm, it can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

For most children, a bedroom temperature between 18°C and 22°C is generally considered comfortable for sleep.

Some simple ways to create a sleep-friendly environment this winter:

✓ Dress your child in appropriate sleepwear rather than relying on heavy blankets

✓ Check room temperature before bedtime

✓ Use layers that can be adjusted overnight if needed

✓ Ensure the room is well ventilated where possible

Remember, every child is different. The goal isn't perfection (as there is no such thing!). It's creating a comfortable environment that supports restful sleep.

As always for any further questions, please feel free to book in a free evaluation.

04/06/2026

For the parent who has packed lunches, managed meltdowns, answered endless questions, folded washing, cleaned up messes, worked, cared, comforted, and kept everyone else's world turning, all before 10 am. We see you.

When you're caring for little people, it can be easy to put your own needs at the bottom of the list. Days become weeks, and before you know it, you've forgotten what it feels like to truly pause.

So today, if you can, give yourself just 10 minutes.

💙 Sit in the sunshine and feel its warmth on your face.
💙 Put your phone down and give your mind a moment of quiet.
💙 Drink a glass of water and nourish your body.
💙 Take a few slow, deep breaths.
💙 Close your eyes and simply rest.

Not because you've earned it.

Not because everything on your to-do list is done.

But because you are human, and you deserve care too.

As sleep specialists, we spend a lot of time talking about the importance of sleep for children. But parent wellbeing matters just as much.

A well-supported parent is not a luxury.
It's an important part of a healthy, thriving family.

So consider this your permission slip to pause.

What's one small thing you can do for yourself today? 💙

04/06/2026

As we head deeper into winter, it's completely normal to notice changes in your child's sleep.

Colder weather, shorter days, winter illnesses, and changes to daily routines can all have an impact on sleep quality, making it harder for little ones, and parents, to feel well rested.

The good news is that a few simple adjustments can often make a big difference.

✓ Try to keep wake-up times consistent, even on weekends. A regular start to the day helps support your child's body clock and can make bedtime easier.

✓ Encourage exposure to natural morning sunlight where possible. Even on cooler days, natural light helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.

✓ Check that your child's room is a comfortable temperature. Being too hot or too cold can affect both falling asleep and staying asleep.

✓ Continue to support age-appropriate naps. While it can be tempting to skip naps in the hope of a better night's sleep, overtiredness can often make sleep more challenging.

✓ Be open to an earlier bedtime if your child seems tired. Winter can be physically demanding, and some children benefit from a little extra sleep during this season.

✓ If your child is unwell, prioritise rest and recovery. Sleep is one of the most important ways the body heals, and it's completely normal for routines to look a little different during periods of illness.

Most importantly, if sleep feels harder right now, please know you're not alone.

Winter can be a challenging season for many families, and sometimes the smallest changes can help everyone feel a little more rested, supported, and resilient.

Which part of your family's sleep routine tends to be the biggest challenge during winter? 💙

03/06/2026

Sickness and sleep can feel like a never-ending cycle.

Your child gets sick and their sleep becomes disrupted.

They wake more often.
Need extra comfort.
Struggle to settle.
Want to be close to you.

Then just as they're starting to recover, you're left wondering how to gently get sleep back on track again. Sound familiar?

If you're navigating illnesses right now, please know this is incredibly common.

When children are unwell, their bodies are working hard to fight infection and recover. It is completely normal to see changes in sleep patterns during this time. Extra cuddles, more night waking, and needing additional reassurance are often part of the healing process.

The tricky part is that disrupted sleep can also make everyone feel more exhausted, emotional, and run down.

That's why supporting sleep during and after illness can make such a difference for the whole family.

One thing we always remind parents is that sleep challenges during sickness do not mean you've 'ruined' your child's sleep habits.

Sometimes they simply need a little extra support while their body recovers.

And when they're feeling better, sleep can absolutely improve again.

If you've been navigating sickness and sleep lately, please read my sleep blog for practical guidance, reassurance, and support 💙

https://ahsleepspecialists.com.au/when-your-baby-is-sick/

When your baby is sick, how do you keep their sleep skills up? Blog post by Amy Huebner, Certified Sleep Consultant, AH Sleep Specialists.

02/06/2026

When we think about sleep, it's easy to focus on how many hours our children or we are getting each night. But sleep plays an important role in almost every aspect of health and wellbeing.

Quality sleep supports learning, memory, concentration, emotional regulation, growth, immune function, and mental health. It helps children process the experiences of their day and gives their bodies the opportunity to rest, repair, and develop.

Often, when a child is struggling with big emotions, finding it difficult to focus, becoming unwell more frequently, or simply seeming out of sorts, sleep can be an important piece of the puzzle.

The same is true for adults. When we're well rested, we tend to feel more patient, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the demands of everyday life.

Sleep is not simply about getting through the night.

It is one of the foundations that helps us thrive during the day.

Sometimes the biggest changes we see in behaviour, mood, learning, and overall wellbeing start with better sleep.

What positive changes have you noticed when sleep improves for you or your family? 💙

01/06/2026

One of the most common sleep myths we hear from parents is:
"If I keep my child up a little longer, they'll sleep better."

It sounds logical, but often the opposite is true.

When little ones become overtired, their bodies can release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, making it harder for them to fall asleep, stay asleep, and settle calmly.

Some signs your child may be overtired include:

• Difficulty settling at bedtime
• Frequent overnight waking
• Increased emotions or meltdowns
• Seeming wired, energetic, or hyperactive when they should be tired

Sleep isn't always about keeping children awake longer.

Sometimes the magic happens when we tune into their sleep cues and support them before overtiredness takes hold.

A well-rested child often finds sleep much easier than an overtired one.

If you've ever wondered whether your child's sleep patterns are age-appropriate, or if overtiredness could be playing a role, we're here to help.

Tell us below, what's one sleep challenge you're currently navigating with your little one? 💙