Sleep Patterns among South Korean Infants and Toddlers: Global Comparison

The purpose of this study was to examine sleep patterns in a large sample of infants and toddlers (ages birth to 36 months) in Korea, and to compare sleep patterns, sleep problems, sleep ecology, and parental behaviors to global sleep data on young children in both predominately Asian (P-A) and predominately Caucasian (P-C) countries/regions. We additionally examined parent and child demographic information, parental behaviors, and aspects of the sleep ecology as predictors of sleep patterns among infants and toddlers in Korea. Parents/caregivers of 1,036 Korean infants and toddlers completed an expanded, internet-based version of the brief infant sleep questionnaire. Consistent with other studies of sleep in early childhood, sleep/wake patterns became increasingly consolidated with older child age for the Korea sample. Compared to both P-A and P-C infants and toddlers, children in Korea had the latest bedtimes, shortest total sleep and daytime sleep durations, and the least frequent rates of napping. Even though half of parents perceive their children's sleep problematic, parental perceptions of severe child sleep problems were the lowest. Within Korea, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding at sleep resumption were associated with increased nocturnal awakenings. Evening television viewing was associated with later bedtimes, which may have implications for sleep hygiene recommendations in clinical practice. The current study provides important information about sleep/wake patterns, parental behaviors, and aspects of the sleep ecology for infants and toddlers for physicians to support healthy sleep in Korea.

Behavioural sleep disorders in children and adolescents

Studies indicate that sleep problems in children and adolescents are highly prevalent, with prevalence rates ranging from 25% to 40%. They are even more common in special populations, especially children with psychiatric issues. Furthermore, sleep issues are often persistent. Unfortunately, sleep disturbances often do not receive the attention that they deserve, especially since they are often highly amenable to intervention. Sleep problems, in general, range from those that are physiologically-based, such as obstructive sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome, to those that are behaviorally-based. The behaviourally-based sleep disorders are reviewed, including a discussion of assessment, prevalence and treatment. Non-pharmacologic approaches are usually the preferred treatment and have received the most empirical support in paediatric populations. It is strongly recommended that all paediatric healthcare providers consider sleep issues in their comprehensive assessment of all children and adolescents, especially those with psychiatric issues, and provide preventive education as part of their usual standard of care.