Child Development – University of Rochester Study Finds Lack of Sleep Can Lead to Increased Injuries Among Preschool Children

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

Getting adequate sleep every night is an important aspect of overall health and wellness.  Studies have shown insufficient sleep for adults can lead to a myriad of health problems.  Aside from the crankiness and irritability that occurs when your little one doesn’t get enough sleep, not too much attention has been paid to toddler’s sleeping habits; until now that is.  A new study discovered that preschoolers who have trouble sleeping may be more prone to injuries.

The study, published in this month’s Public Health Nursing, discovered that the number of injuries for preschoolers is 2 times higher for those who do not get enough sleep.  Researchers from the University of Rochester gathered information from about 300 preschoolers and their mothers over the course of 2 and ½ years.  The information the mothers reported included the child’s sleep habits as well as injuries.  Researchers also reviewed medical reports for any injuries recorded. 

Upon review of the collected data, researchers discovered that the less sleep the preschoolers had, the more prone to injury.  Conversely, children who get adequate amounts of sleep incurred fewer injuries.  The findings of the study remained significant even after addressing confounding factors such as child’s temperament, education, and maternal age.  The ethnic diversity of the families in the study proves the importance of adequate sleep for preschoolers in every community.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that preschool aged children get 11 hours of sleep per night.  As the study has shown, lack of sleep for preschoolers can have serious implications. Most children have given up nap time by the age of 5, so getting adequate sleep becomes more important.   Just like toddler’s start to assert their independence at mealtime, bedtime can be another opportunity for your toddler to try to demonstrate control.  With imagination increasing at this age; nightmares, night terrors, and sleep walking typically peak during the preschool years.

So, what can you do to help your toddler get a good night’s sleep?  First, it is important to set a night time routine for your child and keep it consistent.  Whether it be a bath, a feeding, or a bedtime story; these cues will let your child know it is time to settle down and get ready for bed.  If your child has difficulty falling or staying asleep, it is important to first assess any physical ailments that may be occurring such as teething.  As Dr. Greene explains, when children are learning a new skill, such as walking or talking, they may be tempted to “try out” their new skill during the night.  The good news is, once the new skill is mastered or those teeth break through, your child can sleep a little easier.  Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your physicians.