Sleep Characteristics in Infants
10.14401/KASMED.2020.27.2.33
- Author:
Seonkyeong RHIE
1
Author Information
1. Departments of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
2020;27(2):33-40
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
An infant’s sleep varies considerably from that of adults in terms of structure, amount, and breathing pattern. After birth, sleep becomes evenly distributed throughout the day and night. Nighttime sleep gradually increases with the maturation of circadian rhythm, and sleep is gradually consolidated. Electroencephalography characteristics change with age, from early and dominant active (REM) sleep in newborns to increasing NREM sleep. Similar to other elements of growth, the upper respiratory tract and ribcage gradually increase in size with age, and respiratory control also improves. With these changes, sleep patterns also change. At this time that various sleep disorders may appear. Improved understanding of age-dependent changes in infant sleep can help determine the etiology and facilitate diagnosis of infant sleep diseases.
