Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access originally published online on November 14, 2007
Journal of Pediatric Psychology 2008 33(3):323-332; doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsm109
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Nocturnal Awakenings and Pediatric Injury Risk
1Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham 2Center for Educational Accountability, University of Alabama at Birmingham
All correspondence concerning this should be addressed to David C. Schwebel, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, CH 415, Birmingham AL 35294, USA. E-mail: schwebel{at}uab.edu
| Abstract |
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Objective This study was designed to examine relations between nocturnal awakenings and unintentional injury risk among toddlers. Methods A nationally representative sample of 799 children was followed longitudinally from birth through 36 months. Patterns of nocturnal awakening were assessed by parent-report at ages 6, 15, 24 and 36 months, and injury events were reported at quarterly intervals over the same time period. A range of external covariates, including positive and negative affect and externalizing behavior; maternal stress, maternal depression, and parenting style; and family socioeconomic status were measured. Results A persistent pattern of very mild nocturnal awakening was related to increased risk of injury during the toddler years, and that relation held after controlling for a range of potential covariates. Conclusions A pattern of persistent nocturnal awakening appears to be related to unintentional injury risk in toddlers.
Key words: injury; nocturnal awakenings; safety; sleep; sleep problems.
Received January 21, 2007; revision received October 8, 2007; accepted October 15, 2007