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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Caring for children with sleep problems
Teresa M Ward1, Sally Rankin, Kathryn A Lee
1University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA. teward@u.washington.edu
Insights
Pediatric sleep disturbances affect children and families, impacting well-being and behavior. Nurses can improve family function by assessing and addressing these common childhood sleep problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric sleep medicine
- Child psychology
- Family nursing
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent in infants and children, significantly impacting child and family well-being.
- Inadequate sleep affects children's daytime functioning, behavior, and family dynamics.
Observation:
- Pediatric nurses play a crucial role in supporting both the child and their family unit.
- Understanding sleep's importance allows nurses to mitigate family stress and enhance coping mechanisms.
Findings:
- Common childhood sleep problems are identified and discussed.
- Screening tools are recommended to aid nurses in assessing pediatric sleep issues.
Implications:
- Nurses can improve family adaptation and overall function by addressing sleep disturbances.
- Early identification and referral for sleep problems can enhance child and family health outcomes.
Abstract:
Sleep disturbances are common in infants and children. Sleep disturbances in children not only disrupt the child and family but also impact parental and child well-being, daytime functioning, and behavior. Pediatric nurses care for the individual child as well as their family members. Understanding the importance of healthy sleep habits and the implications of inadequate sleep on child behavior and family-peer interactions provides nurses an opportunity to decrease family stress and increase positive coping, adaptation, and family function. Common types of sleep problems are presented, and recommendations for screening tools are included to help nurses better assess sleep problems in children and make appropriate referrals.
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