Parental Expectations Are Associated with Children's Sleep Duration and Sleep Hygiene Habits

Characteristics of gut flora in children who go to bed early versus late

Investigating the characteristics of the gut flora in children who go to bed early versus late. The study sample consisted of 88 healthy children aged 2-14 years, with an equal number of boys and girls. The researchers collected faecal samples from all participants and sequenced the genome of their gut flora. Findings indicate that beta diversity was statistically significant at the genus level for both the early and late sleeper groups (P = 0.045). Furthermore, alpha diversity indicators, including Simpson's index (P = 0.0011) and Shannon's index (P = 0.0013), exhibited higher values at the genus level. The differences observed in terms of species diversity, abundance, and metabolic pathways offer potential avenues for implementing pharmacological interventions aimed at addressing sleep disorders in children.

Association of parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations with physical fitness, quality of life and school adaptation among adolescents: a multiple mediation model

BACKGROUND

The global public health issue of diminishing physical fitness among adolescents has gained increasing attention. The impact of parents' negative emotions or pressure regarding adolescents' educational aspirations may have a passive impact on the quality of life and adaptation of adolescents in and out of school, and ultimately harm their physical health. This study aims to explore whether parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations influence physical fitness in adolescents through school adaptation and quality of life.

METHODS

Participants consisted of 9,768 students, males 4,753(48.7%), females 5,015(51.3%), aged 11-19 years, males 14.3 ± 1.92, females 14.4 ± 1.93. The educational aspirations were gauged using a six-point scale for expectation scores. Physical fitness assessments were based on criteria from the National Student Physical Fitness and Health Survey. School adaptation was evaluated using the School Social Behaviors Scale-2. Quality of life for adolescents was measured using Chinese version of the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents. To analyze the multiple mediating effects, structural equation models were used, and 95% confidence intervals were determined through bootstrap methods.

RESULTS

The results illustrated that school adaptation and quality of life played a significant mediating role in the effect of parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations and physical fitness. There were three intermediary paths were confirmed: (1) discrepancies in educational aspirations → school adaptation → physical fitness (β=-0.088 SE = 0.021; p<0.01; 95% CI: -0.135, -0.05); (2) discrepancies in educational aspirations → quality of life → physical fitness (β=-0.025; SE = 0.011; p = 0.010; 95% CI: -0.050, -0.006); (3) discrepancies in educational aspirations → school adaptation→ quality of life → physical fitness (β=-0.032; SE = 0.014; p = 0.011; 95% CI: -0.061, -0.007).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that parents should reduce negative emotions and pressure regarding adolescents' academic aspirations may help their children get better physical fitness.

Parental Knowledge and Practices of Sleep Hygiene Among Children in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

 Sleep hygiene is crucial for child development, influencing physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Parental knowledge and practices significantly influence children's sleep habits, yet gaps in understanding persist, impacting sleep quality and overall health outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, rapid societal changes and modern lifestyles pose unique challenges to maintaining healthy sleep habits among children. This study aims to assess parental knowledge and management of sleep hygiene, providing insights for targeted interventions tailored to Saudi cultural contexts.

METHODS

 This cross-sectional study assessed parental knowledge and management of sleep hygiene among children in Saudi Arabia. Participants (N=729) were recruited from pediatric clinics and online forums, comprising parents with at least one child aged 0-18 years who completed surveys in Arabic or English. A comprehensive survey collected demographic data, parental sleep hygiene knowledge, practices, and concerns. Data were gathered between January and March 2024 via online and clinic-based distribution and analyzed using SPSS version 25 for descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

 The survey was completed by 729 participants, predominantly aged 25-44 years (70.4%), holding predominantly bachelor's degrees (34.7%), and employed full-time (49.7%). The majority reported having 2-3 children (54.9%). Findings indicated that 69.1% (504 participants) correctly identified school-aged children's sleep needs, and 71.0% (518 participants) recognized the importance of limiting electronic device use before bedtime. Sleep management practices revealed that 81.3% (592 participants) of parents adhered to bedtime routines, and 65.6% (478 participants) managed electronic device use appropriately. Bedtimes typically ranged from 7 to 9 PM for 90.5% (658 participants) of children, with wake-up times clustered between 6 and 8 AM for 75.6% (551 participants). Parental concerns showed reliance on online resources (60.4%) and pediatricians (54.7%) for sleep information, with 73.9% (539 participants) expressing interest in further education on sleep hygiene.

CONCLUSIONS

 This study highlights parental awareness of sleep hygiene practices in Saudi Arabia but underscores gaps in knowledge regarding caffeine effects and optimal napping practices. Tailored educational interventions are essential to enhance parental understanding and promote healthier sleep habits, thereby optimizing child well-being in the region.

Associations between sleep problems in children with ADHD and parental insomnia and ADHD symptoms

Sleep problems are common in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children's sleep problem may influence, and be influenced by, parents' sleep problems as well as parents' ADHD symptoms. In the current study we examined the associations of parent-rated sleep quality and sleep timing of pre-adolescent children with parental insomnia symptoms, parental ADHD symptoms and dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs about sleep in a convenience sample recruited by advertisement (N = 120). Childhood sleep problems were common in the sample, with 82% of children exceeding the threshold for the presence of a paediatric sleep disorder. Children's sleep quality showed minimal association with their sleep timing and chronotype. Parental insomnia symptoms, ADHD symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep all associated with their children's sleep quality, and with the sleep subdomains of sleep anxiety and parasomnias. In multiple regression analysis only parental insomnia score was a significant predictor of children's sleep quality. Children's bedtimes, wake times, sleep duration, chronotype or social jetlag did not associate with parents' ADHD or insomnia symptoms. Sleep quality was significantly poorer in children whose parents scored as both consistent for adult ADHD and probable for insomnia disorder compared to parents who scored as either ADHD consistent or insomnia probable, or those who parents scored as neither. We discuss the putative nature of the relationships between sleep quality of children with ADHD and parental ADHD and insomnia symptoms, and suggest that clinicians consider parental sleep when attending to children with ADHD.

Short Sleep Duration: Children's Mental, Behavioral, and Developmental Disorders and Demographic, Neighborhood, and Family Context in a Nationally Representative Sample, 2016-2019

INTRODUCTION

Many children and adolescents experience insufficient sleep, which poses risks for their short- and long-term health and development. This study examined the concurrent associations of contextual factors, including child, demographic, neighborhood, and family factors, with short sleep duration.

METHODS

We combined data on children aged 3 to 17 years from the 2016-2019 National Survey of Children's Health (N = 112,925) to examine the association of parent-reported child short sleep duration (ages 3-5 y, <10 h; 6-12 y, <9 h; 13-17 y, <8 h) with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders (MBDDs); selected physical health conditions; and demographic, neighborhood, and family factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 34.7% of children experienced short sleep duration. The prevalence was highest among children aged 6 to 12 years (37.5%); children from racial and ethnic minority groups, especially non-Hispanic Black children (50.0%); children from low-income households (44.9%); children with an MBDD (39.6%); children experiencing negative neighborhood factors (poor conditions and lack of safety, support, and amenities, 36.5%); and family factors such as inconsistent bedtime (57.3%), poor parental mental (47.5%) and physical health (46.0%), and adverse childhood experiences (44.1%). The associations between sleep and demographic, neighborhood, and family factors, and MBDD remained significant after controlling for all other factors.

CONCLUSION

This study identified several individual, family, and community factors that may contribute to children's short sleep duration and can be targeted to improve healthy development, particularly among children with an MBDD, from households with low socioeconomic status, or from racial and ethnic minority groups who are at increased risk for short sleep duration.

Foster Caregivers' Perceptions of Children's Sleep Patterns, Problems, and Environments

OBJECTIVE

The disparity of problems, impairments, and disorders among children in foster care is well-documented and spans virtually every domain of functioning. Sleep, however, has received minimal attention among this vulnerable group, which is concerning given the multitude of ways sleep affects children's development, health, and behavior.

METHODS

A total of 485 foster caregivers from across the United States completed a survey including quantitative items and qualitative, open-ended questions about sleep and related health and behavior for one child (M = 6.4 years, SD = 2.2; range 4-11 years) currently in their care.

RESULTS

Overall, caregivers reported developmentally appropriate child sleep and wake times; however, difficulty falling asleep (avg. 46 min per night) and staying asleep (avg. 34 min awake overnight) were common. Additionally, a high prevalence of sleep-related problems was reported including moving to someone else's bed during the night (85.8%), nightmares (51.2%), sleep terrors (26.4%), snoring (32.8%), bedwetting (31.6%), and teeth grinding (21.8%). Qualitative responses indicated emotional and behavioral challenges at bedtime, particularly elevated fear, and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are consistent with previous work finding significant health disparities among children placed in foster care. Results highlight a need for trauma-informed, behavioral sleep interventions for this pediatric population which might serve to reduce other health disparities.

Impacts of parental breakfast consumption literacy on children's home breakfast consumption

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental breakfast consumption literacy and their children's home breakfast consumption. Methods: This study, employing a cross-sectional design, conducted in September 2021, consisted of a total of 275 children aged 6-7 years and 275 parents. One-way analysis of variance and independent-sample t-test were applied to compare children's home breakfast consumption amongst sub-groups. The relationship between parental breakfast consumption literacy and children's home breakfast consumption was assessed utilising multiple linear regression models controlling for socio-demographic factors. All data were analysed by the software of R Commander. Results: Parents with inadequate breakfast consumption literacy had less children's home breakfast consumption (p = 0.006), such relationship (p = 0.002, 95% CI: 4.76-7.65) had significance controlling for socio-demographic factors. Living in urban areas (p = 0.006, 95% CI: 6.43-9.92), parental unemployment (p = 0.004, 95% CI: 5.47-9.43), and low parental educational level (p = 0.005, 95% CI: 2.34-4.76) were significantly associated with less children's home breakfast consumption. Conclusion: Adequate parental breakfast consumption literacy was associated with more children's home breakfast consumption. Parental-based health education interventions show promise in promoting home breakfast consumption in the family setting. Residential status, parental level of education, and parental employment were associated with children's home breakfast consumption. Future research should understand more about the experiences and contexts of children's home breakfast consumption within the family environments, with a focus on employing qualitative approaches.

Characterization of Parental Knowledge on Early Child Sleep and Association with Child Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in Chongqing, China

Purpose

Parental knowledge of child sleep is typically poor, and profiling of knowledge patterns has not been performed. In recent years, the Chinese government has issued a series of administrative and legal documents to promote guidance on family education and parenting knowledge. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pattern of parental sleep knowledge for 0~3-year-old children in Chongqing, China, and to examine the associations among the knowledge pattern, guidance channel, and sleep quality.

Participants and Methods

This was a cross-sectional pilot study of 264 primary caregivers of children aged 1~36 months who completed a brief survey using the 9-item Parents' Knowledge of Child Sleep (PKCS) and a modified Chinese version of the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ). Hierarchical clustering was performed to determine knowledge patterns. Logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the associations.

Results

The average PKCS score was 50.2%. Parental knowledge showed a five-group pattern from I to V, with knowledge score increasing with the group number. Parents' access to sources for guidance and information on children's sleep was categorized into three categories from i to iii considering the authenticity of sources and richness of channels. Significant correlates of knowledge pattern were age (mo.) of the child (OR=0.97, p=0.019), low family income (vs high, OR=0.44, p=0.022; vs medium, OR=0.55, p=0.014), and information access patterns i and ii (vs iii with the lowest credibility and richness, OR=2.22/1.85, p=0.004/0.022). Knowledge pattern IV, with a few critical structural defects, showed a significant association with longer daytime napping (β=0.121, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The child sleep knowledge of parents in Chongqing, China, was at a low level but showed characteristic patterns. Considering the social need and policy directions, it is necessary to improve public services to provide authentic and extensive guidance to strengthen parental knowledge on child sleep in Chongqing.