Study Examines Benefits of Napping in Children

Impact of Poor Sleep on Children

A recent study evaluated the cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and metabolic advantages of napping in children. Insufficient sleep can detrimentally impact various physical, mental, and psychological aspects of children’s health. Napping may serve as an effective strategy to compensate for inadequate sleep and alleviate daytime drowsiness.

Napping Practices in China

In China, napping is regarded as a component of a healthy lifestyle and is observed across all age groups. Most Chinese schools begin classes at 8:00 am and conclude at 4:15 pm, incorporating a lengthy lunch break during which students typically take a nap, either at home or at school.

Research Methodology and Findings

To explore the benefits of napping among children, researchers analyzed data from 2,928 participants in the China Jintan Preschool Cohort Study. This longitudinal study tracked toddlers into adolescence to assess how various environmental health factors influence long-term health outcomes. In this particular study, children in grades 4-6 provided information on the frequency and duration of their midday naps. Researchers evaluated their cognitive abilities, behavioral outcomes, and psychological well-being. The findings were published in the journal Sleep.

Napping Frequency and Academic Improvement

Students in grade 6 reported napping more frequently (four to five times per week) for durations of 31 to 60 minutes compared to those in other grades, with a slightly higher incidence among girls. Those who engaged in regular and longer naps exhibited marked improvements in academic performance and IQ test results, particularly among grade 6 students. Specifically, children who napped more than three times weekly for at least 31 minutes experienced enhanced school performance, with verbal IQ scores increasing by seven points. However, no significant difference was observed in performance IQ.

Psychological Well-Being and Emotional Health

Napping was also linked to positive psychological markers such as grit, self-control, and happiness. Children who took frequent and extended naps tended to score higher on these psychological measures. Nevertheless, 6th graders exhibited minimal changes in the happiness marker compared to non-nappers, a phenomenon the researchers attributed to academic pressures and exam preparations. Moreover, children who napped three to four times a week showed a notable decrease in emotional and behavioral issues.

Future Research Directions

The researchers propose that additional studies are necessary to gain insights into why children from more educated families tend to nap more frequently, the influence of the distance between home and school on nap duration, and the cultural and personality factors associated with napping behaviors.

Reference

Liu, J., Feng, R., Ji, X., Cui, N., Raine, A., and Mednick, S. (2019). Midday napping in children: Associations between nap frequency and duration across cognitive, positive psychological well-being, behavioral, and metabolic health outcomes. Sleep.

Image Credit

Image by stine moe engelsrud from Pixabay.