Abstract
Introduction: Sleep problems can occur at any age. Inadequate sleep affects the physiological as well as psychological well-being of an individual. Thus, the objective of the present study is, to determine the pre sleep habits, duration and pattern of sleep among school children and to determine association between their sleep schedules and sleep habits. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised of 1050 children attending the government school. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria children were from three age groups: 4-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15 years of age. A questionnaire about demographical data, sleep problems and habits, was duly filled by the parents. The parents of children were questioned for bed time, wakeup time, sleep time and sleep duration during both weekdays and weekends. Results: Total sleep time during weekdays was 8.9 (1.2) hours and 10.7 (1.1) hours during weekends. The wakeup time was significantly delayed during weekends in all age groups. Moreover, total sleep time increased significantly during weekends in all age groups. Children using media after 8 pm and sleeping alone are also in significant sleep debt. Screen activities such as TV, internet and cellular phones in a child’s bedroom had a negative effect on children’s sleep/wake patterns and duration of sleep. Children in higher grades are sleep debt compared to younger ones. Practices such as co sleeping and sharing bed with parents significantly improve the duration and quality of sleep. Conclusion: The sleep durations reported in the present study were lower than recommended sleep duration for children.
Highlights
Sleep problems can occur at any age
The present study was conducted in government schools located in sub urban areas, where Midday Meal Scheme was implemented by the government to improve the nutritional status of children which is covered by nutritional food security act, 2013
The present study found not much difference in bedtimes during weekdays and weekends but wakeup times were significantly delayed (Independent t-test) during weekends in all age groups (P
Summary
Sleep problems can occur at any age. Inadequate sleep affects the physiological as well as psychological well-being of an individual. Inadequate falling in sleep is characterized by sleep and wake difficulties resulting from “daily living activities that are inconsistent with the maintenance of quality sleep and normal daytime alertness”.9 These problems are common among adolescents and children.[10,11,12,13,14] The National Sleep Foundation Scientific Advisory Council recommends 9–11 hours for school age children and 8–10 hours for teenagers.[15] The common reasons can be advocated for the delayed sleep are homework, hanging out with friends, late night television viewing,[16] video games[17] internet. This scheme encourages children of the under privilege section of society to attend school more regularly and to concentrate on class room activities
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