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. Thepresent 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 qualitativeresearch approach was employed; data collection methods were FocusGroup Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Thethemes 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 inconsistencyof rules from parents, lack of opportunities for outdoor physical activity,different kinds of stresses, social and cultural events happening late atnight, having TV/technology in the bedroom, and effects of inadequatesleep on parents’ lives. The findings provided compelling indications toeducate 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 withsupport from schools and healthcare facilities. Screen time was found tohave a huge negative impact on children’s sleep. An important findingwas that socialization is important, but it should not forsake children’sbedtime. It is crucial for parents as well as every member of the societyto be cognizant of children’s bedtime schedules while planning andorganizing gatherings and events