Sleep is a vital function for the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children and adolescents. During these stages, sleep allows the body to regenerate, consolidate memory, and regulate emotions, all essential for overall well-being. However, a significant proportion of children and adolescents (approximately one-third) face sleep problems, such as frequent night awakenings, difficulty initiating sleep, or insufficient sleep duration. These difficulties not only affect daily functioning but also have long-term implications for mental, cognitive, and emotional health.
One factor that may contribute to the development of sleep problems is infant colic, a condition that occurs during the first months of life and is characterized by intense and prolonged episodes of inconsolable crying. This article explores how infant colic may be associated with persistent sleep problems from early childhood to adolescence, based on a longitudinal study conducted with 185 children.
Infant Colic: More Than a Passing Issue
Colic affects approximately 20% of infants and typically occurs between two weeks and three months of age. According to Wessel's criteria, colic is defined as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, without an identifiable medical cause. While colic often resolves spontaneously around three months, its impact can be more enduring than initially thought.
Previous studies have suggested that infants with colic are at higher risk of developing emotional and behavioral regulation problems in childhood and adolescence. These issues include higher rates of anxiety, difficulties managing stress, and, as explored in this study, persistent sleep problems.
Sleep Across Development
During infancy, sleep patterns evolve rapidly. In the first months, infants experience biphasic sleep, with multiple awakenings throughout the day and night. Gradually, this shifts to monophasic sleep, where most rest occurs during the night. This transition is crucial for neurological and physiological development, but it can be disrupted in infants with colic.
The longitudinal study examined sleep in children from 2.5 years to 16.5 years using validated tools like the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results showed that sleep problems, such as frequent awakenings, insufficient sleep duration, and difficulties initiating sleep, often persist over the years. In particular, these issues tend to intensify during adolescence, a period marked by significant hormonal and neurobiological changes.
The Link Between Colic and Sleep Problems
One of the most significant findings of the study is that children who experienced colic during infancy are more likely to have sleep problems during adolescence. Although differences were not significant during early childhood (2.5 to 10 years), adolescents with a history of colic reported higher levels of night awakenings, shorter sleep duration, and poorer subjective sleep quality compared to those without colic.
This pattern may be explained by several factors:
- Altered circadian rhythms: Studies show that children with colic exhibit abnormal cortisol levels, which may affect their circadian regulation.
- Emotional regulation difficulties: Colic has been linked to challenges in managing emotions, which could negatively impact sleep quality.
- Parental factors: Parents of colicky infants may develop more anxious parenting styles due to the stress of managing colic, influencing the child’s sleep habits.
Room Sharing: A Possible Solution?
The study also examined whether room sharing during the first six months of life could moderate the relationship between colic and later sleep problems. Room sharing is often associated with benefits for infant sleep regulation, as it allows parents to respond quickly to night awakenings and provides the infant with a sense of security.
However, the results did not find a significant relationship between room sharing and reduced sleep problems in children with a history of colic.
Clinical Implications and Recommendations
The study's findings have important implications:
- Early detection: It is crucial to identify sleep problems in children with a history of colic during pediatric check-ups.
- Tailored interventions: Promoting healthy sleep routines early in life can prevent long-term complications.
- Adolescent support: Adolescents with a history of colic may require targeted interventions due to neurobiological changes that exacerbate sleep issues.
Conclusion
Infant colic is much more than a difficult phase for parents; it could be an early indicator of sleep problems that persist into adolescence. This finding highlights the importance of proactive and early interventions to ensure children’s long-term well-being.
Author: Psicólogo José Álvarez