Nighttime sleep and physical activity in 6-7 month-old infants

Infant Behav Dev. 2021 Nov:65:101628. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101628. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Abstract

This study examined associations between objectively-measured nighttime sleep duration and physical activity in a sample of 6-7 month-old infants (N=93). The study also investigated relationships between infant sleep and demographic and environmental characteristics. Cross-sectional relationships were assessed using linear regression analyses. Nighttime sleep duration was positively associated with physical activity levels. Nighttime sleep duration was greater when infants had a consistent bedtime, slept in a separate room, were male, and had mothers who reported having a college education or greater. These findings can inform the development of interventions that aim to improve infant sleep.

Keywords: Accelerometry; Actigraphy; Infant; Sleep duration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mothers
  • Sleep*