ABSTRACT
The evolution of normal sleep patterns in children starts with a rapid matura-
tional process during the first year of life and continues with slower and more
gradual changes in later ages. The major maturational process-the consolida-
tion of sleep during the night-is a very striking process that has direct impact on
the evolving relationships between children and their immediate environment
and particularly with their parents. Difficulties in this process are associated with
night-waking and settling problems, which are the most common sleep problems
in early childhood.
