A transactional model of sleep-wake regulation in infants born preterm or low birthweight.

OBJECTIVE

To test a transactional model of sleep-wake development in infants born preterm or low birthweight (PT LBW), which may inform clinical practice, interventions, and future research in this at risk population.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight mother-infant dyads participated from hospital discharge to 4 months postterm. Assessments of prematurity, infant sleep-wake patterns, maternal interaction quality, depression, feeding route, and sociodemographic factors were conducted.

RESULTS

Path analyses revealed that maternal interactions directly related to infant sleep patterns and family sociodemographic risks related to less optimal parenting. In addition, bottle fed infants experienced fewer night wakings and more nighttime sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Two potential pathways to sleep patterns in PT LBW infants were identified. The findings suggest directions for clinical work, such as supporting healthy infant sleep through parenting interventions or supporting interpersonal relations between parents and their PT LBW infants by encouraging more daytime naps. Additionally, clinicians should assess parents' nighttime sleep concerns within the larger sociodemographic and feeding context.