A recent study from Penn State University has found that maintaining a consistent bedtime may significantly enhance children’s ability to regulate their emotions and behaviour, more so than sleep quality or duration. The research, published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics, highlights the importance of a stable bedtime routine for promoting positive behavioural outcomes in children.
Led by doctoral student Adwoa Dadzie and her adviser Orfeu Buxton, the study analysed sleep and behaviour data from 143 six-year-old children enrolled in the Penn State Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories (INSIGHT) study. The researchers discovered that children who adhered to a consistent bedtime routine exhibited better control over their emotions and behaviours, particularly under stress or when interacting with peers.
The study utilised wrist monitors to track various aspects of the children’s sleep patterns over a week, including the time they fell asleep, their wake-up times, and the total amount of sleep they received. Children were also assessed on their ability to respond to frustration through various tasks, including choosing toys and working collaboratively with their parents.
Key findings revealed that children with irregular bedtimes displayed more impulsive behaviour and less self-regulation. For instance, a child whose bedtime varied by just 20 minutes showed significantly better behaviour control than one whose bedtime fluctuated by two hours. Buxton emphasised the crucial role of parenting, stating, “When parents establish clear structures and respond to their child’s needs appropriately, children have better outcomes.”
The researchers noted that the benefits of consistent bedtimes are particularly pronounced when combined with responsive parenting practices established during infancy. Parents in the INSIGHT study received training in how to respond appropriately to their child’s needs, contributing to healthier sleep habits and behavioural regulation over time.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of bedtime consistency for children’s emotional and behavioural development. It suggests that even parents with challenging work schedules can create effective routines by responding promptly to their children’s needs and establishing clear expectations.
For more information, visit the full article at Penn State University: Consistent bedtime linked with better child emotion and behaviour regulation.
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