Sleep Related Nighttime Crying in Early Childhood

Objective: There are few studies about sleep-related nighttime crying in early childhood (SRNC). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of SRNC and to investigate factors influencing it among 3 to 36-month-old children. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was administered to the parents of 3-36-month-old children visiting a well-child unit. Sociodemographic features and sleep characteristics of the children were evaluated. Children were divided into four age groups: Group 1=3-5 months, Group 2=6-11 months, Group 3=12-24 months, and Group 4=25-36 months. Results: The prevalence of SRNC was 32.8% in the overall group; it was most common in Group-1 and Group-2. Of the families of children with SRNC, 43.4% described it as a "problem." SRNC was significantly lower among pacifier users in Group-1, children who wore pajamas in Group-2, and children who bedshared with parents in Group-3. Conclusion: SRNC is common in early childhood. Concomitant factors change according to the age of the child, and SRNC significantly decreases after two years of age.