His theory, based on McKenna's research, is that babies who sleep with parents spend less time in Level III sleep, a state of deep sleep when the risk of apneas are increased. Further, co-sleeping babies learn to imitate healthy breathing patterns from their bunkmates. Every scientific study of infant sleep confirms that babies benefit from co-sleeping. McKenna suggests that there are several factors that maintain this cultural norm. Foremost, is the American value on self-sufficiency.
Independence is an important characteristic for a successful person in our society.
We take great pride in watching our babies pick themselves up by their own bootie straps. But the assumption that co-sleeping inhibits independence is pure cultural mythology. In fact, the opposite is true. Children who share sleep with their parents are actually more independent than their peers. They perform better in school, have higher self esteem, and fewer health problems.