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Sleep pattern and night awakening in healthy infants
1Department of Pediatrics, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
Indian Pediatrics
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Most infants sleep with their mothers, and night awakenings are common. Factors like maternal employment and diet influence infant sleep duration, but most awakenings are not serious concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sleep Medicine
- Child Development
Background:
- Infant sleep patterns and night awakenings are crucial for healthy development.
- Understanding factors influencing infant sleep is essential for parental guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns and night awakenings in a cohort of healthy infants.
- To identify factors associated with variations in infant sleep duration and awakenings.
Main Methods:
- A semistructured interview method was employed.
- Data collected from 500 healthy infants and their families.
Main Results:
- 92.2% of infants shared beds with their mothers; paternal involvement was minimal.
- Infants of non-working mothers and vegetarian families slept longer.
- Night-time awakenings were reported in 96% of infants.
Conclusions:
- Night awakenings are a common occurrence in infants and usually not a cause for alarm.
- Parents should avoid unnecessary infant medication, focusing on overall child well-being.
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