A Transactional Model of SleepWake Regulation in Infants Born Preterm or Low Birthweight

ObjectiveTo test a transactional model of sleepwake development in infants born preterm or low birthweight (PT LBW), which may inform clinical practice, interventions, and future research in this at risk population.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-eight motherinfant dyads participated from hospital discharge to 4 months postterm. Assessments of prematurity, infant sleepwake patterns, maternal interaction quality, depression, feeding route, and sociodemographic factors were conducted.ResultsPath 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.ConclusionsTwo 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.