Maternal, environmental, and temperamental characteristics of toddlers with and toddlers without sleep problems.

Sleep problems of young children are a common behavioral concern of parents. Thirty parents of toddlers with sleep problems (SP) and 30 parents of toddlers without sleep problems (WSP) were studied to ascertain differences in maternal, environmental, and temperamental characteristics. The Sleep Behavior Inventory and The Toddler Temperament Scale provided data identifying certain environmental and temperamental characteristics that may influence the development and/or maintenance of sleep problems. Implications of these findings for anticipatory guidance and counseling are discussed.