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Sleep in infants and young children: Part one: normal sleep

Katherine Finn Davis1, Kathy P Parker, Gary L Montgomery

  • 1Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kdavis9@emory.edu

Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
|March 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This review covers normal pediatric sleep physiology, developmental changes, and strategies for healthy sleep behaviors in children. It aims to equip pediatric nurse practitioners with essential knowledge for clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Growing recognition of sleep's importance for health.
  • Potential gaps in clinical understanding of sleep fundamentals.
  • Need for evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers.

Observation:

  • Normal pediatric sleep physiology, including biological rhythms and sleep stages.
  • Developmental shifts in sleep patterns from infancy to early childhood.
  • Strategies for establishing and maintaining healthy sleep behaviors.

Findings:

  • Provides a foundational understanding of pediatric sleep.
  • Highlights key developmental changes in infant and child sleep.
  • Recommends practical strategies for sleep hygiene.

Implications:

  • Empowers pediatric nurse practitioners with knowledge of normal sleep.
  • Supports the development of effective clinical interventions for pediatric sleep.
  • Lays the groundwork for addressing common pediatric sleep problems in future research.

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