SLEEP DISORDERS IN INFANTS: THE IMPACT OF BREASTFEEDING DURATION AND FREQUENCY ON NIGHT SLEEP
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/pub.health.2026.1.6Keywords:
infants, sleep, REM, NREM, breastfeeding, circadian rhythmsAbstract
Topicality. Sleep is a fundamental biological need that ensures proper functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems and supports cognitive development. In infants, sleep is characterized by a high proportion of REM sleep, frequent awakenings, and immature circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances may negatively affect neurodevelopment and metabolic processes. Breastfeeding provides bioactive components that influence sleep regulation and circadian rhythms.
Objective – to systematize current evidence on the impact of breastfeeding on infants’ night sleep.
Materials and methods. A review and analysis of contemporary scientific sources on sleep physiology, the role of breastfeeding, hormonal mechanisms, and behavioral factors were conducted.
Results. Infant sleep consists of REM and NREM phases, which support brain development and physiological recovery. Circadian rhythms develop gradually under the influence of endogenous and external factors. Melatonin present in breast milk contributes to sleep regulation. Frequent nighttime feedings are associated with awakenings but do not have long-term negative effects. Behavioral factors, including sleep routines, rituals, and environmental conditions, play an important role.
Conclusions. Breastfeeding significantly influences infant sleep structure. Night awakenings are physiologically normal. Establishing consistent sleep routines and parental support promotes healthy sleep patterns and optimal child development.
References
Anders T. F., Emde R. N., Parmalee A. H. Development of sleep–wake cycles in infants and young children. Pediatrics. 2015. Vol. 135, No. 4. P. e930–e938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-3280
Mindell J. A., Sadeh A., Wiegand B., How T. H., Goh D. Y. T. Sleep patterns and sleep disturbances across childhood. Sleep Medicine. 2010. Vol. 11, No. 5. P. 383–391. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2009.10.002
Henderson J. M. T., France K. G. The role of breastfeeding in infant sleep regulation. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2016. Vol. 30, No. 3. P. 246–254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.11.006
Montgomery-Downs H. E., O’Brien L. M., Holbrook C. R. Infant sleep and maternal mental health: longitudinal associations. Sleep. 2010. Vol. 33, No. 4. P. 497–504. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/33.4.497
Gokkes S. R., Gringras P. Melatonin in breast milk and infant sleep regulation. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity. 2012. Vol. 19, No. 1. P. 51–55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0b013e32834e95bb
Beebe D. W. Cognitive, behavioral, and functional consequences of inadequate sleep in children and adolescents. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2011. Vol. 58, No. 3. P. 649–665. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2011.03.003
Galland B. C., Taylor B. J., Elder D. E., Herbison P. Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: a systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2012. Vol. 16, No. 3. P. 213–222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2011.06.001
Sadeh A., Tikotzky L., Scher A. Parenting and infant sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2010. Vol. 14, No. 2. P. 89–96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2009.05.003
