The Effects of Prenatal Substance Exposure on Pediatric Sleep in Children Birth Through Five Years
Abstract
Background: This pilot study explores habits and sleep patterns of young children with prenatal substance exposure (PSE) from birth through five years of age in a primary care practice in Tennessee. Sleep is an occupation of childhood, as it is one of the most highly participated in occupations in the early years of life. Maternal substance use, particularly opioids, alcohol, and nicotine, impacts infant sleep patterns and may delay developmental growth and bonding. Children with PSE are at increased risk of frequent nighttime awakenings, restlessness, difficulties with self-regulation, increased anxiety symptoms, and lowered arousal capabilities. As a result, young children with PSE have a significant risk of developing poor sleep patterns and habits, leading to developmental challenges throughout early childhood. Occupational therapy practitioners play a unique role in addressing these sleep disruptions by promoting healthy sleep and rest routines. Methods: This project’s research question is “What are the sleep trends of young children with PSE?” Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic health records for a sample of 137 young children, aged birth to 5 years, who attended a pediatric assessment clinic between April 2020 and May 2025. Frequency and chi-square analyses were conducted to identify trends in young children's sleep habits. Results/Discussion: Data analysis is in process. Research findings and trends in data will support future research on this population. Results may guide future assessment procedures regarding the sleep habits and routines of this population. This information may lead to the development of occupational therapy interventions for young children with PSE and may also provide insight into interprofessional interventions to enhance sleep outcomes and promote infant and child health and well-being.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
62
Presentation Type
Poster
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Christy Isbell
The Effects of Prenatal Substance Exposure on Pediatric Sleep in Children Birth Through Five Years
Culp Ballroom 316
Background: This pilot study explores habits and sleep patterns of young children with prenatal substance exposure (PSE) from birth through five years of age in a primary care practice in Tennessee. Sleep is an occupation of childhood, as it is one of the most highly participated in occupations in the early years of life. Maternal substance use, particularly opioids, alcohol, and nicotine, impacts infant sleep patterns and may delay developmental growth and bonding. Children with PSE are at increased risk of frequent nighttime awakenings, restlessness, difficulties with self-regulation, increased anxiety symptoms, and lowered arousal capabilities. As a result, young children with PSE have a significant risk of developing poor sleep patterns and habits, leading to developmental challenges throughout early childhood. Occupational therapy practitioners play a unique role in addressing these sleep disruptions by promoting healthy sleep and rest routines. Methods: This project’s research question is “What are the sleep trends of young children with PSE?” Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic health records for a sample of 137 young children, aged birth to 5 years, who attended a pediatric assessment clinic between April 2020 and May 2025. Frequency and chi-square analyses were conducted to identify trends in young children's sleep habits. Results/Discussion: Data analysis is in process. Research findings and trends in data will support future research on this population. Results may guide future assessment procedures regarding the sleep habits and routines of this population. This information may lead to the development of occupational therapy interventions for young children with PSE and may also provide insight into interprofessional interventions to enhance sleep outcomes and promote infant and child health and well-being.
