Infant Sleep Research Study
Researchers at Queens College of the City University of New York are conducting a study on the role of infant sleep in child development to better understand how brain processes during sleep influence early childhood development.
Fast Facts

Pregnant or Within
3 Months Postpartum

Compensation Provided

Conducted in NYC
Study Background
This study explores the relationship between infant sleep and child development, aiming to understand the role of brainwave activity and sleep patterns in early childhood growth.
We are interested in understanding the critical role that infant sleep plays in a child’s overall development. The study will follow your child’s development over the course of three years, with a total of approximately five sessions. These sessions will include home visits and office visits at key developmental stages, starting when your child is about 1 month old. During these visits, we will collect brainwave and movement recordings, conduct interactive play sessions, and gather additional information through questionnaires.
At each session, there are no known physical risks associated with the activities or recordings. If your child shows any signs of distress during the procedures, you may ask us to stop at any time. Participating in the study could provide valuable insights into the relationship between sleep patterns and child development, contributing to ongoing research in this field.
Study Background
This study explores the relationship between infant sleep and child development, aiming to understand the role of brainwave activity and sleep patterns in early childhood growth.
We are interested in understanding the critical role that infant sleep plays in a child’s overall development. The study will follow your child’s development over the course of three years, with a total of approximately five sessions. These sessions will include home visits and office visits at key developmental stages, starting when your child is about 1 month old. During these visits, we will collect brainwave and movement recordings, conduct interactive play sessions, and gather additional information through questionnaires.
At each session, there are no known physical risks associated with the activities or recordings. If your child shows any signs of distress during the procedures, you may ask us to stop at any time. Participating in the study could provide valuable insights into the relationship between sleep patterns and child development, contributing to ongoing research in this field.
Additional Information
This study aims to explore the role of brain processes during infant sleep and how they relate to child development. By collecting data on infant sleep patterns and brain activity, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of early childhood development and its long-term effects.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant or within 3 months postpartum
Home Visit (1 Month Old):
- The primary researcher or a research assistant will visit your home when your child is about 1 month old.
- We will record your child’s brainwave activity and movements.
- You will complete some questionnaires related to your child’s development.
- The session will last approximately 4-5 hours.
Office Visits (6, 12, 18, and 36 Months Old):
- You and your child will visit our office for four additional sessions at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months.
- Each session will include interactive play sessions and assessments with your child.
- The sessions will last 1-2 hours (for sessions at 6, 12, and 18 months) and 4-5 hours (for the final session at 36 months).
No Physical Risks:
- There are no known physical risks to your child during any of the activities or recordings.
- If your child feels distressed during the procedures, you can ask us to stop at any time.
Optional Participation in Questionnaires:
- You may be asked to fill out questionnaires about your child’s development.
- You can take breaks or stop at any time if you feel tired.
Contribute to Research:
- Your participation helps researchers gain valuable insights into the relationship between infant sleep and child development.
We value your time and participation in our study! Here’s what you can expect:
1-Month Session: Receive $100 in cash for your and your child’s time during the home visit, including completing measurements and questionnaires.
6-Month, 12-Month, and 18-Month Sessions: Receive $30 in cash at each of these sessions.
36-Month Session: Receive a $50 prepaid gift card for completing the final session.
Transportation Reimbursement
We understand that travel can be an added expense, and we’re here to help:
We will reimburse you up to $100 per session for reasonable travel and parking expenses, upon submission of receipts.
Alternatively, we may arrange transportation for you through a car service (e.g., Uber, taxi, etc.) to make your visits more convenient.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.