By Jaime Herndon

A new study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, looks at the effect daytime napping has on the sleep quality, behavior, health, and cognition of children through age five. The study was a review and analysis of 26 existing studies.

The researchers found that children ages two and older who napped, took longer to fall asleep at night, and, overall, had shorter durations of nighttime sleeping. There was not enough information to determine whether daytime napping adversely affected behavior or development, as well as physical health. More research needs to be done about sleep patterns and children, and the researchers explain that environmental factors, like the home environment, also have an impact on the quality of children’s sleep and their sleeping patterns.

Although there wasn't enough information to directly link daytime napping and any changes in behavior, if a young child is having behavior problems at preschool, it may be worth checking into whether or not they are napping during the day. If they are, their nighttime routine and sleep might be affected, leading to overtiredness and acting out. For healthy sleep, the National Sleep Foundation suggests kids have a regular sleep schedule, a relaxing bedtime routine, and a cool, quiet, dark room, without a television. Children ages three to five typically need 11 to 13 hours of sleep each night, so it’s important they get that much-needed rest!

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Published: February 25, 2015