Sleep Parameters and Respiratory Variables in ‘Near Miss’ Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Infants

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Abstract
Near-miss-for-sudden-infant-death-syndrome (29) and normal (30) infants between the ages of 3 wk and 6 mo. were monitored polygraphically for 24 h. The distribution of sleep and abnormal respiratory events were analyzed for both groups. On the basis of mixed and obstructive apnea, 12 h nocturnal segments (2000-0800 h) consistently distinguished near-miss from normal infant groups between the ages of 3 wk and 4.5 mo. Daytime naps do not provide statistical differences sufficient to differentiate between the 2 groups. During sleep abnormal respiratory events are more likely to occur between 0100 and 0600 h, at least 40 min after sleep onset. Respiratory pauses show a significant increase just prior to waking (a strong respiratory stimulus). Any impairment of the arousal threshold during sleep will place near-miss [human] infants at increased risk.