Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

Episode Title: How to Sleep Train Your Baby | Jessie Martin, RN, BSN
Release Date: February 6, 2026
Guest: Jessie Martin, RN, BSN — Double Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Host: Alex Clark

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the subject of baby sleep training from both a health and faith-based perspective. Alex Clark welcomes Jessie Martin, a Christian nurse, mother of four, and pediatric sleep consultant, to demystify the topic of sleep training, address controversies, practical strategies, common misconceptions, and the broader cultural and spiritual context. The discussion aims to provide parents with clear, compassionate guidance and debunk myths that pit sleep training and co-sleeping against each other.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sleep Training: Myths vs. Reality

• Jessie Martin debunks misconceptions about sleep training, emphasizing it doesn't mean being "anti-breastfeeding," "anti-attachment," or "anti-responsive." She breastfed and room-shared with all her sleep-trained children.

  "To be pro sleep training doesn’t mean that you have to be anti all this other stuff." (Jessie, 02:07)

• Sleep training is portrayed as an umbrella term. Contrary to the “all or nothing” image, there are many approaches, from very gradual to “cry it out.”

  "There is so much in between that is not those extremes." (Jessie, 02:48)

2. Evidence-Based Sleep Training

• Jessie describes her approach as holistic, integrating sleep science, child development, family dynamics, nutrition, and routines. She develops tailored plans based on extensive questionnaires and data tracking.

  "Most of that plan is working on setting that child up for sleep success... using light and dark to help with their circadian rhythm." (Jessie, 04:06-06:17)

• She highlights that the goal is not to train the baby to sleep (as sleep is biological), but to shift habits around sleep.

3. The Biology of Baby Sleep & Sleep Cycles

• There’s a distinction between newborn sleep and that of older infants, especially after the common "four-month sleep regression," when sleep cycles mature.
• Explained the challenge of “assisted sleep”: If babies are always rocked or nursed to sleep, they need help again during normal nighttime arousals.

  "Imagine if you fell asleep in your bed and woke up in the bathtub… Sleep training is about helping those cycles go smoother." (Jessie, 06:41-11:16)

4. Sleep Training: What It Is & Isn’t

• Not about abandoning babies, ignoring their needs, or letting them “cry it out” by default.
• Sleep training starts with supporting healthy habits and gradual change.

5. Is Crying Always a Bad Sign? Parental Roles & Decision-Making

• Crying is a major emotional block for parents. Jessie likens it to car-seat safety: sometimes discomfort is necessary for a child’s good.
• She encourages responding to needs but not pathologizing all change or every instance of crying.

  "You're not doing this to your kid to be mean… You're doing this for your child. Because you love them." (Jessie, 13:20)

6. Responding vs. Reacting

• Jessie distinguishes a calm, planned response from a reactive, haphazard approach, emphasizing the importance of stability for children.

  "When you respond...you're calm...when you're reacting is overwhelming." (Jessie, 19:24)

7. The Importance of Routine and Environment

• Routines, timing, and environment (like darkness) help regulate children’s nervous systems, decrease stress, and promote better sleep onset.

  "Kids with routines know what to expect...It gives a lot of security." (Jessie, 20:10)

8. Circadian Rhythms for Children

• While aligning with natural light cycles is valuable, children need more sleep than adults, so rigid adherence to sunrise/sunset doesn’t always fit.

  "Our kids just have higher sleep needs than we do." (Jessie, 21:52)

9. Chronic Wakings & Sleep Deprivation — Whole Family Impact

• Chronic sleep deprivation affects children’s growth, mental health, and family wellbeing. It can mimic or exacerbate conditions like reflux, colic, and even ADHD.

  "Sleep deprivation can mimic symptoms of ADHD...chronic overtiredness can mimic colic and reflux." (Jessie, 26:57, 27:33)

10. Personalized Approaches & Cultural Worldview

• There’s no universal right answer — some families do better co-sleeping, others with sleep training.

  "Only the family can decide if something is a problem." (Jessie, 24:06)

• Jessie cautions Christian parents to discern the worldview underpinning popular sleep advice, especially Dr. James McKenna’s evolutionary perspective on co-sleeping.

  "It's important to know what worldview parenting advice comes from." (Jessie, 35:36)

11. Practical Sleep Training Advice

• Keys to success:

  • Understand sleep needs and create a schedule (use wake windows)
  • Dial in intentional, full feedings rather than constant snacks throughout the day
  • Maintain a dark sleep environment to support circadian rhythm
  • Use gradual transitions (“scaffolding”) to change from assisted sleep to independent sleep

  "Scaffolding: helping your child learn a skill with the end goal of independence." (Jessie, 36:25)

• Mistakes often made: Skipping the foundational steps, choosing an inappropriate method for the child’s temperament, or inconsistent implementation.

  "There's nothing magical in just letting your baby cry for no reason." (Jessie, 45:19)

12. Troubleshooting Sleep Training Setbacks

• Consistency is key but so is adaptability (e.g., when sickness arises, offer more support temporarily).
• Sleep training doesn’t require weaning all night feeds at once.

13. Bedtime Routine Example

• Keep routines simple and consistent: feed, pajamas, calming activities, lights out.

  "It doesn't have to be super long... just doing it the same way every night is the cue." (Jessie, 50:24)

14. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Responding to Crying:

  "You're not doing this to your child, you're doing this for your child." (Jessie, 13:20)

• Approach on Routine:

  "Use their schedule as a tool to serve your family." (Jessie, 41:20)

• Faith & Parenting:

  "God is a God of order. Being able to bring that into your home and give your kids structure — that's our job." (Jessie, 00:02; 35:36)

• Decision-Making:

  "Only parents can decide what habits are sustainable." (Jessie, 25:39)

Key Timestamps

• [00:02] – Biblical perspective: God as a God of order
• [02:07] – Debunking sleep training misconceptions
• [04:06] – Evidence-based, holistic approach described
• [06:41] – Explanation of biological sleep and sleep cycles
• [13:20] – Sleep training as a loving parental responsibility
• [19:24] – Responding vs. reacting to baby’s needs
• [20:10] – How routines, timing, and environment reduce stress
• [26:56] – Sleep deprivation mirrors ADHD, colic, and reflux
• [35:36] – Importance of worldview in parenting advice
• [36:25] – Role and process of a sleep consultant; habit change
• [50:24] – Example of an ideal bedtime routine
• [54:00] – Memorable story: Lego hidden in pajamas as sleep disruption
• [56:46] – Adjusting sleep training when a child is sick
• [58:08] – Jessie’s remedy for healing sick culture: prioritize faith, family, and sleep

Practical Takeaways for Parents

• Sleep training is not “cry it out” by default; there are gentle and gradual ways.
• Respond to your baby’s cues with calm confidence, not panic or inconsistency.
• Build a consistent routine and view sleep training as a spectrum, not a rigid method.
• Chronic sleep deprivation has significant physical and emotional costs for the whole family.
• Choose a sleep strategy that fits your family — there’s no universal best way.
• Faith and structure can coexist within sleep training for Christian families.
• Professional support can be highly beneficial, especially with personalized plans.

Final Thoughts

Jessie Martin’s key “remedy” for healing sick culture is prioritizing faith, marriage, and intentional parenting — with sleep at the foundation:

"The best thing you can do for your kids is love your spouse… And as parents, take advice and compare it to scripture. Prioritizing sleep can heal families emotionally, physically, and spiritually." (Jessie, 58:08)

Jessie’s Resources:

• Website: thegoodnighthouse.com
• Instagram: @thegoodnighthouse
• Use code “Alex” for discounts on sleep classes and guides

Follow Alex Clark:

• Podcast: Culture Apothecary
• Instagram: @realalexclark

This comprehensive episode aims to equip parents with confidence, clarity, and compassion—regardless of whether they lean toward co-sleeping or sleep training.