Parental Engagement Promotes Better Sleep in Pre-Teen Children

A recent study highlighted at SLEEP 2025 reveals that strong family bonds and active parental involvement play significant roles in ensuring adequate sleep for pre-teen children. Researchers examined various aspects of social connectedness, finding that routines like sharing family dinners and engaging in neighborhood activities correlate with longer sleep durations. Conversely, family conflicts, household distancing, and increased screen time through technology are associated with shorter sleep periods.

The study identified that children in social environments characterized by high parental engagement—such as regularly eating meals together and discussing upcoming plans—had the highest likelihood of achieving sufficient sleep, with over 50% meeting sleep duration recommendations. In contrast, those heavily involved in technology-mediated relationships or experiencing poor family relationships showed lower rates, around 40-42%. Researchers adjusted for factors like sex, age, race, and household income to ensure the reliability of these findings.

Lead researcher Marie Gombert-Labedens, an expert in circadian rhythms and childhood obesity, emphasized the importance of social networks in sleep health. She suggested that interventions targeting social connectedness may be effective in improving sleep among children. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends children aged 6 to 12 years get between nine to twelve hours of sleep nightly to support optimal health.

The research involved nearly 5,000 children aged around 9 to 11 years, with data collection occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep durations were reported by caregivers, and the analysis underscored the impact of social environments on sleep patterns. Ultimately, fostering connectedness and reducing technology overuse could be key strategies in promoting better sleep and overall well-being for pre-teen children.