Mandatory nap times and group napping patterns in child care: An observational study


Autoria(s): Staton, Sally; Smith, Simon; Pattinson, Cassandra; Thorpe, Karen
Data(s)

2016

Resumo

Policy provision for naps is typical in child care settings, but there is variability in the practices employed. One practice that might modify children’s early sleep patterns is the allocation of a mandatory nap time in which all children are required to lie on their beds without alternate activity permitted. There is currently limited evidence of the effects of such practices on children’s napping patterns. This study examined the association between duration of mandatory nap times and group-level napping patterns in child care settings. Observations were undertaken in a community sample of 113 preschool rooms with a scheduled nap time (N = 2,114 children). Results showed that 83.5% of child care settings implemented a mandatory nap time (range = 15–145 min) while 14.2% provided alternate activities for children throughout the nap time period. Overall, 31% of children napped during nap times. Compared to rooms with ≤ 30 min of mandatory nap time, rooms with 31–60 min and > 60 min of mandatory nap time had a two-and-a-half and fourfold increase, respectively, in the proportion of children napping. Nap onset latency did not significantly differ across groups. Among preschool children, exposure to longer mandatory nap times in child care may increase incidence of napping.

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/90599/

Publicador

Routledge

Relação

DOI:10.1080/15402002.2015.1120199

Staton, Sally, Smith, Simon, Pattinson, Cassandra, & Thorpe, Karen (2016) Mandatory nap times and group napping patterns in child care: An observational study. Behavioral Sleep Medicine. (In Press)

Fonte

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Psychology & Counselling

Palavras-Chave #170102 Developmental Psychology and Ageing
Tipo

Journal Article