Observed relationships between nap practices, executive function, and developmental outcomes in Tunisian childcare centers

Abstract

The objective of this design was to conduct an observational study comparing anthropometric characteristics, cognitive functions, as well as gross and fine motor skills. The study included 118 preschool-aged children (47 boys, 71 girls) enrolled in childcare centers. They were categorized into two groups based on their nap habits. The nap group comprised 59 children (23 boys, 36 girls), age (mean ​± ​standard deviation) ([3.96 ​± ​0.54] years) who took naps after lunch, while the no-nap group included 59 children (24 boys, 35 girls) age (mean ​± ​standard deviation) ([4.18 ​± ​0.61] years) who remained awake during this period. The results showed that the napping group had significantly higher scores for body mass index (BMI) (p ​< ​0.000 1), height-for-age z score (HAZ) (p ​= ​0.003), and higher BAZ (BMI-for-age z score) scores (p ​< ​0.000 1), compared to the No-nap group. In terms of cognitive function, the study revealed that the napping group had better working memory performance compared to the No-nap group (p ​= ​0.002), but no significant impact on inhibition was observed. The results also showed that taking a nap may improve functional mobility (p ​= ​0.003) and upper body strength (p ​= ​0.026) especially in boys. Future research could investigate the long-term effects of inadequate nap time on children's health and development and also develop and evaluate interventions to improve nap time habits in preschool children.