Overcoming sleep problems in babies and toddlers.

In infants, sleep patterns are not so well developed as in adults. More of the infant's sleep is active (REM sleep) than the adult's. There is a wide range of normal sleeping behaviour in infancy, from almost continuous sleeping to less than nine hours out of 24. Nursing advice to parents should be systematic and based on research findings. The nursing process offers a model. A sleep history and sleep diary are useful tools for assessing the problem. Feeding, room temperature and separation anxiety may be contributing to the problem. Bedtime routines may need to be modified. Working closely with the family and finding strategies the parents are comfortable with are important. The parent and the professional are partners in solving the problem.