Sleep and development in infants

Abstract

Sleep plays a significant role in the developmental processes of infants. However, in modern society, our bedtimes tend to be delayed and our nocturnal sleep time shortened. This night-centered lifestyle or shortened nocturnal sleep time has not only affected the sleep-wake rhythm of infants, but also carries the risk of physical and mental dysfunctions, such as neurological development, behavioral problems (internalizing and externalizing problems), depression symptoms, and obesity. It is necessary for parents and caregivers to fully understand the importance of sufficient sleep for infants for development of the brain and physical and mental functions, as well as the importance of creating an environment that will be able to promote a healthy sleep-wake rhythm in infants.