Changes in infant sleep problems after a family-centered intervention

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a family-centered intervention for sleep disturbed infants and its effect on the infants' sleep pattern.

Methods: The sample consisted of 33 infants (6-23 month of age) hospitalized because of sleep problems in The City Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, and 33 mothers and 30 fathers. Infants' sleep patterns were assessed by a 1-week diary and by interviews with parents before hospital admission, 1 week and 2 months after discharge. The intervention was based on correction of day-sleep rhythm, support of self-comforting capabilities of the infant, and education of parents in regard to the infants' characteristics and developmental status. Changes in day naps and infant irritability over daytime also improved significantly.

Findings: Night sleep improved significantly 1 week after discharge and even more so 2 months later.

Conclusions: Offering a family-centered intervention improves infants' sleep patterns up to 2 months after discharge.