Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Relationship between sleep/wakefulness and gastroesophageal reflux in symptomatic newborns

F Cresi1, E Locatelli, E Maggiora

  • 1Neonatal Unit, University of Turin, 1026 Torino, Italy. francesco.cresi@unito.it

Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|November 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sleep/wakefulness impacts acid and weakly acidic refluxes in newborns. Longer sleep periods correlate with shorter reflux durations, questioning routine antacid use.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in newborns.
  • The influence of sleep/wakefulness on non-acid refluxes in infants is not well understood.
  • Acid reflux and sleep state are known to be related in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between sleep/wakefulness states and the frequency and duration of acid and non-acid refluxes in newborns.
  • To determine if sleep patterns influence reflux characteristics in infants with GER symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in 45 newborns with GER symptoms.
  • Analyzed reflux events (acid and weakly acidic) in relation to sleep and wake states.
  • Correlated sleep duration with reflux frequency and mean reflux duration.

Main Results:

  • Sleep/wakefulness significantly influenced the frequency of both acid and weakly acidic refluxes (p=0.006).
  • A negative correlation was observed between sleep periods and mean reflux duration for both acid (R=0.55) and weakly acidic (R=0.51) refluxes (p < 0.001 for both).
  • Infants experienced shorter reflux episodes when asleep.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep/wakefulness state is a significant factor affecting reflux patterns in newborns.
  • The findings suggest that reflux duration is inversely related to sleep duration in infants.
  • This challenges the routine prescription of antacid medications for newborns, highlighting the need for individualized assessment.

More Related Videos

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns07:39

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

Published on: October 24, 2019

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...