Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
08:20
Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
12.3K
Parental Cognitions About Sleep Problems in Infants: A Systematic Review
Susanne Knappe1, Anna-Lisa Pfarr1, Johanna Petzoldt1
1Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|January 7, 2021
Summary
Parental cognitions, particularly regarding limit-setting, significantly influence infant sleep problems. These beliefs often precede sleep issues, highlighting the need to consider parental factors in child sleep research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Parental cognitions are increasingly recognized as significant factors influencing infant sleep outcomes.
- Understanding the temporal relationship and specific content of parental cognitions is crucial for addressing infant sleep problems.
Approach:
- A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection.
- Included studies (n=23) used correlational or control group designs, focusing on children aged 1-6 years.
Key Points:
- Longitudinal data suggest parental cognitions often precede infant sleep problems.
- Difficulties with limit-setting cognitions were prevalent in parents of infants with poor sleep.
- These cognitions correlated with both subjective and objective measures of sleep outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Parental cognitions play a key role in the development and maintenance of infant sleep problems.
- Parental attitudes and beliefs about sleep may inadvertently influence child sleep behaviors.
- Further research should explore parental mental health, self-efficacy, and child temperament.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
271
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
271
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
652
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
652
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
278
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
278
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
912
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
912
01:19Management of Insomnia
393
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
393
01:27Insomnia
254
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
254