Sensory processing in typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems

• Published in: Infant behavior & development 2024-09, Vol.76, p.101981, Article 101981
• Main Authors: Kılıç, Büşra Kaplan, Kayıhan, Hülya, Çifci, Atilla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Children; Sensory processing; Sleep; Sleep problems; Toddlers
• ISSN: 0163-6383
• DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101981

This study investigates the sensory processing of typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems. The research group consisted of typically developing toddlers with sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.35 ± 3.4 months), while the control group included typically developing toddlers without sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.67 ± 3.5 months) and their mothers. Toddlers were assigned to the research and control groups based on their sleep problems, as determined by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. The sensory processing of the toddlers was evaluated using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile 2. Sensory patterns and sensory processing sub-parameters of the research and control groups were compared. The sensory processing of the research group showed atypical behavioral responses in low registration (low awareness or indifferent attitude to sensory stimuli), sensory sensitivity (distracted or irritable attitude, intensely stimulated by sensory stimuli), and sensory avoiding (intentional avoidance of sensory stimuli or attitudes that produce out-of-norm responses) patterns compared to the control group (p  0.309). Statistically significant differences were observed in all sub-parameters of sensory processing compared to the control group. Our findings indicate that toddlers with sleep problems are at risk for sensory processing issues. Toddlers with sleep problems exhibit atypical sensory responses related to sensory sensitivity, low registration, and sensory avoiding. It should be considered that toddlers with sleep problems may show sensitivity to different sensory stimuli, avoidance or may not be able to recognize sensory stimuli. These findings suggest that the inclusion of sensory profile assessments in interdisciplinary care for toddlers with sleep problems may contribute to parent-infant well-being. •Toddlers with sleep problems may exhibit atypical sensory behavioral responses compared to their peers.•Toddlers who have difficulty frequent waking and falling asleep may be exprencing difficulties with sensory processing.•Sensory profile may be important in managing toddler sleep problems and requires an interdisiplinary approach.•Early identification of potential sources of sleep problems is important for toddler development and parent-child well-being.