The Impact of Sleep Duration on Cognitive Performance and Emotional Regulation in Early Childhood
Authors:¹ Dr. Julian Koenig, ² Dr. Benard Dreyer, ³ Dr. Christian Capitini, ⁴ Dr. James A. Feinstein, ⁵ Dr. Katelynn Boerner
Keywords:
Pediatric Sleep, Cognitive Development, Emotional Regulation, Sleep Duration, IQ Scores, Behavioral Outcomes, Child Psychology, Sleep and Learning, Early Childhood DevelopmentAbstract
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Abstract:
Adequate sleep is essential for optimal cognitive development and emotional regulation in early childhood. However, modern lifestyle factors have contributed to a decline in sleep duration among young children, raising concerns about its effects on their cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. This study examines the relationship between sleep duration, cognitive performance, and emotional regulation in children aged 3-6 years. A total of 1,500 children were assessed using standardized cognitive and emotional evaluation tools.
Descriptive analysis revealed that 64% of children in the study slept less than the recommended 10-13 hours per day. Among them, 42% had a sleep duration of 8-9 hours, while 22% reported sleeping less than 8 hours. Cognitive assessments using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (SB-5) showed a significant reduction in performance among children with insufficient sleep. The mean IQ score for children sleeping 10-12 hours was 105 (SD = 5), whereas those sleeping less than 8 hours had a mean IQ score of 92 (SD = 6). A t-test indicated a significant difference in cognitive scores between these groups (t = 10.72, p < 0.01).
Emotional regulation was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children with insufficient sleep exhibited higher scores in emotional dysregulation (32%), irritability (26%), and impulsivity (21%). A Pearson correlation test showed a moderate negative correlation between sleep duration and emotional dysregulation (r = -0.49, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis further confirmed that children sleeping fewer than 9 hours were 2.3 times more likely to exhibit emotional instability compared to those with adequate sleep (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8-2.9, p < 0.01).
In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role of sleep in early childhood development. Reduced sleep duration is significantly associated with lower cognitive performance and increased emotional dysregulation. These findings emphasize the need for parental and public health interventions aimed at improving sleep habits in young children to foster better cognitive and emotional outcomes.
