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Sleep in Infants and Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Sarah M Inkelis1, Jennifer D Thomas1

  • 1Center for Behavioral Teratology (SMI, JDT), San Diego State University, San Diego, California.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|June 1, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), often leading to significant sleep disturbances. This review highlights common sleep problems and their neurobehavioral links in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) leads to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), causing lifelong neurobehavioral and physical issues.
  • Sleep problems are frequently reported in children with FASD, with symptoms overlapping cognitive and behavioral deficits.
  • Existing research indicates poor sleep quality in alcohol-exposed infants and children, characterized by disrupted patterns and reduced sleep time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and consolidate findings on infant and pediatric sleep in individuals with PAE.
  • To provide an overview of typical sleep characteristics and neurobehavioral correlates of sleep disruption in FASD.
  • To identify potential intervention strategies for sleep disorders in the context of PAE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on infant and pediatric sleep in populations with PAE.
  • Analysis of electroencephalography, actigraphy, and questionnaire data related to sleep quality.
  • Synthesis of information on circadian rhythm disruption and neurobehavioral correlates.

Main Results:

  • Alcohol-exposed infants and children exhibit poor sleep quality, including disrupted sleep patterns, frequent awakenings, and reduced total sleep time.
  • Significant overlap exists between sleep deprivation symptoms and the cognitive/behavioral deficits characteristic of FASD.
  • Limited understanding of circadian rhythm disruption and its neurobehavioral correlates in PAE.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are a significant issue for individuals with FASD, impacting their neurobehavioral development.
  • Further research is needed to understand circadian rhythm disruption and neurobehavioral links in PAE.
  • Improved identification and treatment strategies for sleep disorders in FASD are crucial for healthcare providers.

Keywords:
Circadian RhythmFetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersNeurobehaviorPrenatal Alcohol ExposureSleep

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