As the proud media partner of The Precious Journey 2020 that’s happening this 5 to 14 November, we are bringing you this series of interviews with presenters so that you get to know them better and their workshops.

Today, we speak to Speaker, Author and Sleep Expert Zoe Chu. While being a super mommy to four beautiful kids, she also spends her time empowering tired and sleep-deprived parents to get back their precious sleep. She has helped transform the lives of thousands of families globally with her Simple Steps System to a Better Night’s Sleep.

Zoe’s work has been featured in various media sites including Sunday Times, Asiaone and Channel NewsAsia. Her sleep programme has been selected by Harper’s Bazaar Jr as one of the top 12 best courses for parents in Singapore.

We find out more about what it means to get better rest and how every parent can give their whole family, the gift of sleep.

Q: Sleep is a big problem for many all around the world. Why do you think it is so difficult for many Singaporeans to have quality sleep?

We live in a society where the malls and restaurants only close after 10pm. There is so much that goes on at night. Work and deadlines take a lot of priorities and in the end, sleep is sacrificed in order to make ends meet.

Our society is also very much educated about the importance of having a healthy diet but the importance of sleep seems to take a back seat when productivity is key.

Our working culture, societal judgment “sleep is for the weak!” and lack of knowledge in the area of sleep and its correlation to health makes it tough for many to have quality sleep. Asian societies are more “24/7” than our Western counterparts. And as such, there is an unsaid expectation to force our bodies and minds to work overtime.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said, “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.”

Prevention is always better than cure. If only everyone starts to prioritise sleep, we will have fewer sicknesses because quality sleep is the foundation of our health.

Q: Is it common for babies to have sleep-related problems as well? Why or why not?

It’s very common for babies to have sleep issues because most parents are not well informed about the importance of fostering healthy sleep habits for their little ones. Antenatal classes and childbirth workshops do not discuss sleep much compared to breastfeeding.

A lot of parents think that baby not sleeping well is part and parcel of parenthood and they are just hoping their baby will outgrow those nighttime wakings eventually.

Q: What is one sleep-related issue among infants that parents may misunderstand as “only a small problem”?

A lot of parents are unaware that their child has sleep problems. I was talking to a couple whose 1-year-old toddler still wakes up in the middle of the night – tossing and turning and sometimes needs to be carried or latched back to sleep. Dad feels that baby is not sleeping well. Mum says it’s all part of growing up. Parents may think that baby not being able to sleep independently is normal. Most parents have this mindset “It’s our job to help our child fall asleep” and that sleepless nights are part and parcel of parenthood.

Q: How long have you been helping mothers and babies vocationally, and what kinds of programmes do you conduct?

I have been doing this for 7 years and counting. I used to do a lot of parenting events and workshops prior to COVID-19. Now I take everything online and I run webinars, online consultations and virtual group coaching with parents of 0-5 years old. I offer various sleep packages from my eBook Sleep Baby Sleep, an online video program that parents can watch on their own anytime they want to 1-to-1 personalised coaching with follow up support.

Parents can check out my website for more information.

Q: What can participants expect to take away from your session at The Precious Journey 2020?

Participants can expect to learn a few valuable tips on how to get their little ones to sleep well.

If you’re interested to attend Zoe’s or other presenters’ sharings, please go to this website to register. Hurry while spaces last!

Images: Zoe Chu and The Precious Journey