lingering effects of early sleep deprivation

A recent short piece in the New York Times Magazine titled “Infant Sleep is Destiny” showcased the research of Bernier and Carlson. In their research they concluded that there is a longer term effect of infant sleep deprivation (aside from the immediate effect on executive functioning). They reported that as toddlers, the same babies who didn’t get good quality sleep as infants showed signs of lingering effects to their executive functioning. I disagree with the article’s closing comment about there not being anywhere to turn to get advice about what to do if you have a poor sleeper. Helping sleepy babies and toddlers (+ parents) is precisely what we do well!