A Qualitative Study on Adequate Sleep in Preschool Children – Can We Sleep on it?

Abstract

Sleep is a significant marker of physical and psychological health. The
present research was undertaken to explore perceptions of parents,
teachers and pediatricians about preschool children’s sleep patterns,
habits, and problems from urban Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative
research approach was employed; data collection methods were Focus
Group Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The
themes identified were children’s sleep patterns, sleep environment,
sleep rituals, distractions, sleep problems, the impact of inadequate sleep,
and recommendations to improve. Emergent themes were inconsistency
of rules from parents, lack of opportunities for outdoor physical activity,
different kinds of stresses, social and cultural events happening late at
night, having TV/technology in the bedroom, and effects of inadequate
sleep on parents’ lives. The findings provided compelling indications to
educate parents on the importance of sleep and its effects on health,
development, school performance, behavior, and similar needs.
Participants recommended that this could be effectively done with
support from schools and healthcare facilities. Screen time was found to
have a huge negative impact on children’s sleep. An important finding
was that socialization is important, but it should not forsake children’s
bedtime. It is crucial for parents as well as every member of the society
to be cognizant of children’s bedtime schedules while planning and
organizing gatherings and events