Background:

Sleep is a neurophysiologic process necessary for brain development. However, sleep patterns change with aging. This study aimed to compare the sleep pattern in pediatric patients with and with no previous sleep problems (PSP) during the first 48 hours of hospitalization and analyze the factors influencing sleep disruption.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study. Under informed consent, two groups of patients < 17 years admitted to a hospital for acute illnesses were followed. The history of PSP was determined with the Brief sleep questionnaire. For 48 hours, the sleep pattern was observed in terms of total hours of daily sleep, daytime naps, night awakenings, and time to fall asleep. We recorded actions of attention associated with sleep time.

Results:

Patients with PSP showed an increased total duration of sleep hours per day by an average of one hour, improving the sleep pattern. In patients with no PSP, the total hours of sleep diminished transitorily and the time elapsed to initiate sleep, the number of daytime naps, and night awakenings increased. Alarms sound, the presence of vein catheters and tubes, and the entry and exit of healthcare personnel to the rooms were identified as critical factors of sleep interruptions.

Conclusions:

Hospitalization alters sleep patterns, especially in children without previous sleep problems. We recommend exploring sleep patterns in all hospitalized children and reducing external factors associated with their disturbance as much as possible.