Maternal-reported shorter total sleep duration but not consecutive sleep duration in infancy is associated with...

Poor sleep during childhood can affect multiple domains of functioning. However, the association between early infant sleep patterns and future sleep problems is not well-understood. This study aimed to assess whether maternal-reported total sleep duration (over 24 hours) and consecutive sleep duration in infancy are associated with later maternal reports of sleep problems in preschoolers.

This longitudinal study included a community sample of 294 mother-child dyads. Total sleep duration and consecutive sleep duration were measured by maternal reports using the Questionnaire about Sleep Habits at 6 months. Sleep problems were assessed by maternal reports using the Sleep Problems subscale of the Child Behaviour Checklist/1.5-5 at 48 and 60 months.

Generalized Estimating Equations models revealed that maternal-reported infant shorter total sleep duration, but not consecutive sleep duration, was associated with more sleep problems in preschoolers (higher total Child Behaviour Checklist Sleep Problems subscale scores), adjusting for socioeconomic status, maternal depression, breastfeeding status, sleeping arrangements, time, and biological sex. More specifically, infant shorter total sleep duration was associated with more bedtime resistance, difficulty falling asleep, the presence of nightmares, and shorter sleep duration.

Shorter maternal-reported total sleep duration but not consecutive sleep duration at 6 months was a marker of future parental reports of sleep problems in preschoolers. The results suggest that total sleep duration over 24 hours and sufficient opportunity to sleep should be prioritized over striving for an infant to sleep through the night during early infancy.