The Power of a Good Sleep Routine
Making sure your child goes to bed on time is one of the rules of healthy parenting. Maintaining a consistent routine for your child can have a more positive impact on them.
A recent study led by Pennsylvania State University (USA), published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, sheds light on the importance of consistent bedtime routines for children.
Research shows that 6-year-olds who maintain regular sleep schedules demonstrate stronger emotional control and better behavior in social and stressful situations than their peers with irregular sleep patterns.
The ability to manage emotions and behavior, known as self-regulation, is an important skill for children. It not only supports healthy relationships but also lays the foundation for academic and social success. Previous research has highlighted the role of sleep in promoting self-regulation.
Research results
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University published a study that tracked the behavior of more than 143 children to understand how parental interventions might impact them.
Researchers observed that the consistency of sleep timing had a profound impact on children's social and behavioral patterns. In particular, consistent bedtimes were associated with better children demonstrating stronger emotional regulation, especially in stressful situations.
When children consistently do not get enough sleep, behaviors that involve impulsiveness become harder to control, such as hitting or throwing objects in response to frustration.
On the other hand, children with regular, punctual sleep habits will show more friendly behaviors, such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy in parent-child interaction tasks.
