The state of an infant's behavior can be determined by physical monitoring. Keefe et al adapted criteria for behavior from those given by Chappell and Sander. The primary authors are associated with Childrens' Hospital and the University of Colorado in Denver.
States:
(1) non-REM (quiet) sleep
(2) REM (active) sleep
(3) awake
(4) transition
(5) indeterminate
State
Behavioral Characteristics
non-REM sleep
regular breathing
eyes closed
no facial movements
no vocalization
no motor activity except an occasional reflex movement
REM sleep
irregular respirations
eyes closed with ocular motility (REM)
facial movements may occur
vocalization may occur
peripheral movements
awake
irregular respirations
eyes open
facial movements may occur
vocalization may occur
mild or gross motor activity
transition
regular or irregular inspirations
eyes closed with no rapid eye movement
vocalization may occur
body movement may occur
not awake (within sleep from quiet to active, or from active to quiet)
indeterminate
behavior of infant does not fit any of the above states
where:
• An occasional reflex movement may include a sobbing inspiration or startle.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
