Aims: We tested the hypothesis that the sensory-motor characteristics of aerodigestive reflexes are dependent on stimulus type and volumes, sleep or awake states and maturation. Methods: Thirteen neonates were studied at 33.6 ± 0.5 (time-1) and 37.3 ± 0.5 weeks (time-2) postmenstrual age using multi-modal provocative esophageal manometry concurrent with video-polysomnography. Effects of graded volumes (399 infusions at time-1; 430 infusions at time-2) of mid-esophageal stimulation with air, water and apple juice on the sensory thresholds and recruitment frequency of upper esophageal sphincter (UES), esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) reflexes were investigated during sleep and awake states. Results: Sensory thresholds for aerodigestive reflexes between maturational stages were similar. Increased frequency recruitment of UES contractile reflex, LES relaxation reflex and peristaltic reflexes were noted at time-2 (all, P < 0.05). Graded stimulus-response relationships were evident at time-1 and time-2 during awake and sleep states (P < 0.05). Secondary peristalsis vs. esophago-deglutition response proportions during sleep at time-1 vs. time-2 (P = 0.001), and awake vs. sleep at time-2 (P = 0.02) were distinct. Conclusions: Sensory-motor effects of esophageal mechanosensitivity, osmosensitivity and chemosensitivity are advanced in sleep during maturation. Sleep further modulates the recruitment frequency and type of aerodigestive reflexes.