Sleep in Infancy: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Problem: Sleep has historically been defined by adult standards that fail to recognize the dynamic physiologic process in the first year of life.

Eligibility criteria: A literature review and concept analysis were conducted to examine what is known about sleep in infancy. Studies were included if sleep was objectively measured and healthy infants 0 to 12 months old were the focus of the study.

Sample: Of 647 records identified, 348 were assessed for eligibility and 20 studies were included in the review of the literature.

Results: Sleep in infancy is a time of evolving sleep architecture, sleep consolidation, and extensive neural activity resulting in neurodevelopment.

Conclusions: It is imperative to recognize the critical role of sleep for optimal infant neurodevelopment on the part of healthcare providers and society at large.

Implications: Efforts should be made to protect sleep periods in both healthy and hospitalized infants. The proposed definition has the potential to improve the care of healthy and hospitalized infants by preserving and promoting neurodevelopment.

Keywords: Infancy; Neurodevelopment; Sleep; Sleep architecture.