The Impact of Poor Sleep Hygiene on Infant Health and Development – Developing a healthy sleep routine is crucial for maintaining a balanced life, not only for adults but also for the developing brain. When I worked at a hospital sleep center that treated many infants and children, psychiatrists often referred patients suspected of having ADHD to rule out sleep disturbances before making a diagnosis. Although not universally practiced, this approach highlights the connection between sleep issues and behavioral or developmental concerns. Establishing proper sleep patterns in early childhood is vital for brain growth.
Quality sleep is fundamental for cognitive functions such as learning and memory, as well as for emotional regulation and brain structure development. Ensuring infants develop and maintain good sleep hygiene can significantly impact their cognitive skills, emotional well-being, and overall brain growth. Neglecting sleep health during infancy can lead to long-term developmental issues, underscoring the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits from the start.
As we grow, our Delta sleep becomes less prominent, also known as Deep sleep or Stage 3 sleep (NR3). The Growth Hormone (GH) is usually associated with the first Delta Sleep and is vital for muscle development, tissue repair, and regeneration. Growth hormone secretion follows a pulsatile, circadian rhythm characterized by varying levels throughout the day. The highest concentrations of growth hormone are typically observed during nighttime hours. This nocturnal peak plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including growth and cellular repair.
Understanding this rhythm is essential for recognizing how disruptions in sleep patterns can impact overall health and development. Several studies have supported this argument, as findings demonstrated a direct link between growth spurts and body length that are heavily influenced by Delta Sleep and lack thereof. When removing other possible outcomes, such as a hot room or other medical conditions for example, a child may experience night sweats during deep sleep, which is responsible for stimulating growth hormone (GH) release. This hormone is associated with a simultaneous increase in body temperature.
Cognitively, REM sleep is crucial for brain development and is most sensitive as it begins to make certain synapse connections for motor skills, processing information and being able to respond to situations appropriately. During REM sleep, dreams occur and play a crucial role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Numerous studies have suggested that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is vital for brain development. During this stage, the brain processes and integrates information from the day, helping to solidify learning and emotional experiences.
The significance of REM sleep extends beyond immediate cognitive functions, influencing long-term neurological growth and psychological health. Researchers have found that disruptions in REM sleep can adversely affect cognitive development and emotional stability, highlighting its essential role in overall brain maturation.
Dr. Amy Huffer is a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW), and has a PhD in Human Science as well as a Infant Mental Endorsement. She has been working with children for almost 20 years, from infancy up to age 5, and understands that babies struggle to regulate sleep and need help with structure by creating a routine. As parents struggle with their sleeping habits, this may cause an imbalance in the child’s regulation. The environment can also play a role, both good and bad, in influencing healthy sleep behavior to optimize the child’s growth. I was intrigued by Dr. Huffer’s work and wanted to share some of her insight.
Dr. Huffer emphasizes that some things she had experienced related to poor quality sleep in infants and toddlers were that insufficient sleep posed a significant challenge because when a child isn’t sleeping, their parents are likely sleep-deprived as well. “Infants and toddlers depend on their parents to help them self-regulate, but if the parents are not well-rested, it becomes difficult for both them and the children. As parents, strive to remain present, calm, and composed while the child learns to self-soothe and manage their own emotions and behavior.”
Dr. Huffer also highlights several signs that children might be responding negatively to excessive sleep debt:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Behavioral changes like crankiness, tantrums, aggression, hyperactivity, and clinginess
- Cognitive changes like difficulty paying attention or concentrating on tasks.
- Note: some of these behaviors are normal parts of infant and toddler development, so keeping a sleep diary helps better understand the child’s sleep patterns.
Here are some helping tips for parents:
- Develop a simple bedtime routine. About 30 minutes prior to bedtime, dim the lights and soften noises in the child’s environment.
- Engage in less vigorous activities 3-4 hours before bed. Then, do the three Bs: bathtime, brushing teeth, and books.
- Be consistent. New patterns can take time to develop. Give yourself and the child time to adjust to any new changes to their sleep routine.
- Keep a sleep diary. If your child is struggling with sleep, write down what is happening with the child. Track what time you put the child to bed, the time the child fell asleep, wakefulness during the night, and what the child is doing. Also, track what time the child wakes up in the morning. Also, track any naps during the day. This can help you see patterns in the child’s behavior and provide helpful information to your pediatrician or other healthcare provider.
If you suspect your child may have a sleeping disorder, or need help getting on track please reach out to our sound sleep consultants page or to your local pediatrician.
If you or someone you know suffers from a sleeping disorder or needs to get back on track with their sleep structure, you may reach out to soundsleepconsultants.com or schedule a visit with your local sleep specialist.
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