Abstract

Abstract Introduction Previous studies of sleep patterns and problems in preterm infants and toddlers have yielded inconsistent results, with some studies noting differences on salient sleep parameters and others indicating similarities. Furthermore, little is known about any differences about sleep-related behaviors. Thus, the current aims of this study were to assess sleep patterns, problems, and sleep-related behaviors in young children born prematurely who were NICU graduates. Methods Caregivers of 262 children (53.4% boys; 35.9% Black, 40.5% White, 23.6% Other) being followed in a neonatal follow-up clinic at their corrected age one-year (10–16 months) or two-year (22–28 month) visit completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised SF (BISQ-R SF). Results At approximately one year of age, infants were going to bed at 8:36, taking 33 minutes to fall asleep, and waking .63 times per night for 19 minutes, for a total nighttime sleep duration of 8’01”. Similarly, at approximately two years of age, infants were going to bed at 8:16, taking 26.7 minutes to fall asleep, and waking .94 times per night for 16.3 minutes, for a total nighttime sleep duration of 8’26”. Sleep problems were reported by 18.1% and 19.6% of caregivers, respectively, with the majority indicating that their child slept well (78.5% and 76.5%) and minimal bedtime difficulties (13.6% and 14.6%). The majority of infants slept in their own crib (81%), with infants more likely to room share at 1-year compared to 2-year (49% vs 35%), and almost half falling asleep independently (43% and 46%). Conclusion Overall, sleep patterns and parent-perceived sleep problems (18–20%) in these NICU graduates were better than expected, and similar to normative data of similar age children (Sadeh et al., 2008). However, these infants/toddlers obtained less nighttime (8–8.5 hrs vs 10 hrs). Sleep education of parents of NICU graduates should not only focus on sleep behaviors, but also on ensuring sufficient sleep. Support (if any):

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