0834 Bedtime and Naptime Routines: Associations with Newborn and Parental Sleep Outcomes

Abstract Introduction A consistent bedtime routine is associated with better sleep and well-being in young children. However, little is known about the prevalence of bedtime and naptime routines in newborns, and their association with sleep outcomes in both the newborns and their parents. Methods Parents (67% mothers, 33% fathers) of 135 newborns (1-15wks; M=8.2wks) from the US and UK completed an online questionnaire addressing questions about sleep and routines in newborns, as well as measures of sleep in the parents (PROMIS sleep disturbance scale and sleep-related impairment scale). Results Overall, 62% (n=84) reported having a bedtime routine and 20% (n=27) a naptime routine for their newborn. Of these families, 50% started a bedtime routine before 4 weeks of age with 58% starting a naptime routine within the same time frame. Most parents who engaged in a bedtime routine indicated that they liked it (79%), it was easy (70%), it helped their newborn fall asleep (62%) and sleep for longer stretches overnight (54%). For those with naptime routines, approximately half liked them (54%) and reported they were easy (50%), but fewer thought they helped their newborn nap (35%). Most parents thought that sleep routines helped them bond with their newborn (88% bedtime, 69% naptime). Further, newborns with a bedtime routine had longer stretches of sleep (5.1h vs. 4.2h, p=.023), shorter total time awake during the night (128.6m vs. 175.7m, p=.002), and trended toward fewer night wakings (2.1 vs. 1.7, p=.070). Finally, parents who had bedtime routines for their newborn were less likely to experience sleep disturbances themselves, p=.017, but there were no differences in sleep-related impairment. Conclusion Over half of all newborns have a bedtime routine, but only 20% a naptime routine. However, these routines are liked by parents and associated with increased sleep consolidation in newborns and decreased sleep disturbances in parents. A simple recommendation of instituting sleep routines for newborns may result in improved sleep outcomes for newborns and their parents. Support (if any) Kenvue, Skillman, NJ, USA