Poor sleeping for toddlers could cause serious problems. 

Chinese researchers have identified a significant connection between disrupted sleep and emotional and behavioural challenges in preschool-aged children, emphasising the importance of proper sleep for their mental well-being. 

The study, conducted in Shanghai, focused on 17,182 children with an average age of almost four years.

The research found that children experiencing sleep disturbances were more likely to have unresolved emotional and behavioural problems and less likely to see improvements in those areas. 

Notably, when sleep disturbances improved, children were more likely to resolve their emotional and behavioural issues.

The study, part of the Shanghai Children’s Health, Education, and Lifestyle Evaluation–Preschool (SCHEDULE-P), used data from 2016 to 2023. 

It revealed that sleep disturbances and mental health problems were highly interrelated in preschool-aged children, underlining the significance of sleep health in promoting their mental well-being.

Key findings included:

  • Sleep disturbances were negatively associated with resolved emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBDs) but positively associated with incident EBDs during the preschool years

  • Resolved sleep disturbances were linked to resolved EBDs

  • Routine screening and precise intervention for sleep disturbances may improve the psychosocial well-being of preschool-aged children

The research highlights the essential role of healthy sleep patterns in supporting the mental health of young children, urging parents and caregivers to prioritise a good night's sleep for preschoolers.