Infant sleep interventions with sleep measurements using actigraphy: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: This review investigated the outcomes and methodological quality of infant sleep intervention studies utilizing actigraphy.

Background: Parents need appropriate support for infant sleep from nurses. There are few methodological reports of actigraphy in infant sleep intervention studies that objectively measure infant sleep in a natural setting.

Design: This was a systematic review study.

Data sources: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from database establishment to 30 December 2021.

Review methods: This systematic review utilized the Cochrane Collaboration review guidelines.

Results: Eleven sleep intervention studies were reviewed. Three used extinction-based behavioural interventions, and eight included parental education programs. The infant sleep interventions positively affected the sleep outcomes of both infants and parents. Fairly consistent effects were found on infants' number of awakenings and sleep onset latency. However, parental psychosocial outcomes were inconsistent. All studies reported device placement, the algorithm for analysis, the use of a sleep diary and number of days/nights, but external movements affecting infants' sleep records were insufficiently reported. Only two studies had a low risk of bias.

Conclusions: The infant sleep interventions had positive effects on both infants and their parents. Comprehensive methodological considerations are required for more standardized assessments using actigraphy for infant sleep evaluation.

Keywords: actigraphy; infants; intervention; measure; sleep; systematic review.