Because of the physical closeness the parent and the child often share sleep cycles. The child usually awakens during light sleep cycles. The parent is likely to be in light sleep also. Thus the parent can settle the child without his or her sleep cycle being seriously disturbed because awakening from a deep sleep cycle leads to exhaustion. Because the parent is awakened less often from deep sleep he or she is less likely to be groggy or feel sleep-deprived.
Fathers benefit from co-sleeping.
Co-sleeping creates a closer bond between parents and the child. Once they get use to it many fathers report feeling closer to their children. This also allows fathers to spend more time with their children. Co-sleeping teaches a child to be comfortable being in touch with a person. It does not substitute things such as a bottle, teddy bear, blankie, etc., for people.