Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep
With Lauren Zatezalo, OT student, and Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L
In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant's nervous system and sleep. We're joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren't just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby's sleep from the inside out.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- How the infant nervous system regulates, and why a newborn's sleep patterns are neurologically appropriate, not a sleep problem.
- Why some babies are more sensitive to environmental stimulation than others, and what that looks like in daily life.
- What the difference is between a dysregulated nervous system and a newborn who is simply behaving normally.
- How understanding the nervous system changes the practical strategies you use to help your baby, and yourself, sleep.
- What an OT sees when they look at infant sleep that a sleep consultant might not.
Show Notes and Resources
Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net). The Possums Approach by Dr. Pam Douglas (possumsonline.com). American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org).
From This Episode
Transcript excerpt coming soon.
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