Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
09:16

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers

Published on: March 14, 2018

10.9K

Sleeping Toward Behavioral Regulation: Relations Between Sleep and Externalizing Symptoms in Toddlers and

Marie-Ève Bélanger1, Annie Bernier1, Valérie Simard2

  • 1a Department of Psychology , University of Montreal.

Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology : the Official Journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53
|November 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Better sleep in young children is linked to fewer behavioral problems. Improving sleep may help prevent ongoing externalizing symptoms, particularly in boys.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Sleep Science
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Externalizing symptoms in young children are a significant concern.
  • Sleep disturbances are common in early childhood and may impact behavior.
  • Understanding the relationship between sleep and behavior is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the concurrent and longitudinal associations between sleep patterns and externalizing symptoms in toddlers and preschoolers.
  • To investigate the moderating role of child sex in the sleep-behavior relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study with 64 families, assessing children at ages 2 and 4.
  • Objective sleep monitoring using actigraphy for 72 hours at age 2.
  • Parent and educator reports on child behavior using the Child Behavior Checklist at both time points.

Main Results:

  • At age 2, longer sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency were associated with fewer externalizing symptoms reported by mothers.
  • Higher sleep efficiency at age 2 predicted fewer externalizing symptoms at age 4, controlling for baseline symptoms.
  • The association between sleep efficiency and externalizing symptoms was significant for boys only, as reported by mothers at age 2 and fathers at age 4.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep difficulties in early childhood are linked to persistent behavioral maladjustment.
  • Early intervention for sleep problems may be important for preventing long-term behavioral issues.
  • Boys may be particularly vulnerable to the behavioral effects of sleep disturbances.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

1.7K
Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.7K

Related Concept Videos

Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.3K
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
797
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.5K
Correlations02:20

Correlations

Correlation means that there is a relationship between two or more variables (such as ice cream consumption and crime), but this relationship does not necessarily imply cause and effect. When two variables are correlated, it simply means that as one variable changes, so does the other. We can measure correlation by calculating a statistic known as a correlation coefficient. A correlation coefficient is a number from -1 to +1 that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between...
37.0K
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
1.2K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.3K