Infant and maternal factors associated with maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems

Abstract

Aim: Infant sleep behaviours, particularly night wakings, have been identified as one of the most common concerns of parents. Despite this, few empirical studies have examined how mothers distinguish between normative and problematic infant sleep behaviours. Methods: In this study, we examined infant and maternal factors associated with maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems in an internet sample of Canadian mothers with 6- to 12-month-old infants whose infants wake at least one night a week. Results: While infant sleep behaviours accounted for 24% of the variance in maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems, including additional infant and maternal factors in the model accounted for 43%. Factors significantly associated with maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems were infant sleep behaviours (i.e. frequent night wakings, difficulties initiating sleep), difficult infant temperament, poor maternal daytime functioning and poor maternal sleep quality. Contrary to expectations, infant daytime functioning was not predictive of maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems. Conclusions: Our findings support a focus on the family, rather than the infant, when assessing and treating infant sleep problems

Keywords:

• night wakings
• infant sleep problems
• maternal perceptions
• infant temperament
• maternal functioning

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Regina, Faculty of Arts Dean’s Research Award. The authors are thankful to all the families who participated in the study, and to Today’s Parent Magazine, whose staff was very generous in helping us promote the survey through their websites.