How much longer does the modified extinction method take compared to the normal extinction method for sleep training?

Modified Extinction Takes Approximately the Same Duration as Standard Extinction

The evidence does not support that modified extinction takes substantially longer than standard (unmodified) extinction methods for infant sleep training. In fact, both unmodified and modified extinction methods show similarly rapid results, with improvements typically occurring within the same timeframe, though modified extinction may be perceived as slightly more gradual in implementation. 1

Comparative Timeline and Effectiveness

Speed of Results

• Both unmodified and modified extinction produce more rapid results than gradual approaches like parental presence methods, with no clinically significant time difference between the two extinction variants 1
• Parents implementing either extinction method report that improvements appear quickly, with both approaches rated as faster to show results compared to alternative sleep training methods 1
• The average age at which parents implement these interventions is 5.3 months, with similar duration of implementation across both extinction types 1

Implementation Characteristics

• Modified extinction involves gradually increasing intervals between parental checks rather than complete absence, but this does not translate to a meaningfully longer overall training period 2
• Both extinction methods are rated as more difficult to implement than parental presence approaches, but also as more helpful and shorter in duration 1
• Parents should anticipate an extinction burst (temporary increase in crying intensity) with both methods, which is a normal indicator that the intervention is working 2

Clinical Outcomes Comparison

Sleep Consolidation Results

• Infants in both unmodified and modified extinction groups demonstrate longer and more consolidated nighttime sleep compared to parental presence and non-intervention groups 1
• Studies show 60-70% improvement in sleep onset and night waking with extinction methods, with no evidence that modified extinction requires additional time to achieve these outcomes 3

Safety and Tolerability

• No differences exist between extinction method groups in parent sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, depression levels, or parent-infant bonding 1
• High-quality 5-year follow-up data confirms no long-term harm to emotional development, behavior, or parent-child relationships with either extinction approach 2, 4

Practical Implementation Considerations

Key Differences in Process (Not Duration)

• Modified extinction allows for periodic parental checks at gradually increasing intervals, while standard extinction involves no parental intervention until morning 2, 3
• The distinction is in the method of implementation rather than the total time required to achieve sleep training goals 1
• Both approaches require establishing a consistent bedtime routine and safe sleep environment before initiation 2, 3

Common Pitfall to Avoid

• Parents often assume modified extinction will take substantially longer due to the graduated approach, but this is not supported by evidence—the key is consistency in whichever method is chosen 1