A new study has revealed that children are more likely to enjoy restful sleep at night when they are part of a supportive and engaged family environment. According to researchers from the University of California, San Diego, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, and the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, stronger family relationships contribute significantly to improved sleep quality in children.
The research team found that children aged 9 to 11 were more likely to sleep longer at night when their families shared close bonds and parents were actively involved in their upbringing. Simple activities such as eating meals together and participating in community-based social engagements were associated with longer sleep duration among children.
The study, which involved nearly 5,000 children, relied on at least two parent-completed surveys conducted in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family Interaction and Emotional Wellbeing
Previous studies have shown that the pandemic disrupted children’s sleep patterns, often increasing anxiety levels. This latest research sought to determine whether strong family connections could act as a buffer against pandemic-related stress and improve sleep outcomes.
Results indicated that sufficient sleep was positively associated with parental attention (51%), regular family meals (48%), and parents discussing the following day’s activities with their children (48%). In contrast, sleep disruption was linked to increased screen-based social activity (40%) and limited interaction with parents (42%).
“These findings highlight the importance of nurturing strong family relationships as a foundation for healthy sleep habits,” the researchers noted.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children aged 6 to 12 get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night to support optimal health and development.
