What is the 3-3-3 rule for sleep?

There is no widely recognized medical sleep guideline called the 3-3-3 rule. The phrase often refers to a grounding exercise for anxiety that may help a worried child settle at bedtime. The child identifies three things they can see, listens for three sounds and moves three parts of their body. This shifts attention away from racing thoughts and back to the present moment. It may be useful as one calming step within a bedtime routine, but it is not a treatment for a sleep disorder. The term is also used online for various baby schedules, so meanings can differ. Parents should be cautious about applying viral sleep rules without considering the child's age, safety and individual needs.