A total of 30 toddlers were videotaped as they fell asleep and the kinematic
properties of their movements were analysed employing a computerised system, based
on the Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP). We analysed the movements and their
association to the length of the falling asleep phase and presence of parents.
Results revealed that the movement variables had a significant contribution in
explaining the length of the Falling Asleep Phase (FAP). Toddlers who fell asleep
within 30 minutes of entering bed displayed movements characterised by low amplitude
and gradual slopes, movements such as sucking and caressing. Toddlers who were awake
for longer than 30 minutes before they fell asleep displayed movements characterised
by high amplitude and abrupt changes, movements such as kicking, banging, and
straining. The movement variables predicted the length of the falling asleep phase
significantly better than other variables associated with the falling asleep phase,
such as duration of music played, duration of using pacifiers/thumbs, and the
presence of objects in the bed including bottles. A significant correlation was
found between the presence of parents in the toddler’s room and the type
of movement that was used; Parents who spent more time in the room had toddlers who
revealed less soothing movements and more movements characterised by high amplitudes
and abrupt slopes. Possible intervening variables including temperament,
chronological age, mental age, sleep parameters, and demographic information did not
explain the findings. Practical applications of the study in assisting young
children in the falling asleep phase are discussed.
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