Study Finds Many Children Not Meeting Recommended Sleep Durations

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University reveals that many children are not getting sufficient sleep, contrary to parents' perceptions. The research, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, involved tracking the sleep patterns of 102 elementary school children over a week using wrist-worn accelerometers. While 83% of parents believed their children were sleeping the appropriate amount, objective data showed only 14% of children met the national sleep guidelines. The study highlights that children are often awake for over 38 minutes per night, a factor parents tend to underestimate, with parents reporting less than five minutes of wakefulness. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 6 to 12 should aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, but the average sleep captured was just 8 hours and 20 minutes.

The research also uncovered racial and ethnic disparities. Latino children averaged just over eight hours of sleep per night, with only 4.4% meeting the guidelines, compared to 22.8% of non-Latino children. Latino parents were more aware of sleep issues, such as trouble staying asleep, but overall, both groups tended to overestimate their children's sleep duration. Factors like later bedtimes, co-sleeping, and room sharing, which are more prevalent in Latino households, may influence both sleep behaviors and parental perceptions.

The team emphasizes the importance of improved communication with families regarding sleep health and advocates for proactive steps to enhance sleep habits. Recommendations include establishing consistent bedtime routines, limiting screens before bed, ensuring exposure to natural light during the day, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. The study underscores the need to address cultural factors and improve sleep quality for children's overall health and development.

Understanding sleep patterns accurately is crucial for early intervention and promoting better health outcomes among children. Future research aims to explore how home environments and parenting styles impact sleep behaviors further.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-kids-parents-reveals.html