Like white noise, rhythmic motion is well-established as a calming technique for both infants and adults. Slow rocking is effective at lulling us into sleep, as many have experienced when swaying in a hammock, sleeping on a boat, or relaxing in a rocking chair. Researchers have likewise found a positive association between motion and its soothing effect among infants – as motion increases, fussiness decreases, and more time is spent in quiet sleep. The sensory stimulation that accompanies motion prompts a synchronizing action in the brain, which supports internal sleep rhythms.
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