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Family Chaos and Child Functioning in Relation to Sleep Problems Among Children at Risk for Obesity

Richard E Boles1, Ann C Halbower1, Stephen Daniels1

  • 1a Department of Pediatrics , University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , Colorado.

Behavioral Sleep Medicine
|January 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Child and family functioning impact sleep behaviors in at-risk, low-income families. Family chaos plays a role in sleep problems, highlighting the need for interventions to improve child sleep routines.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Low-income minority families, particularly those at risk for obesity, often face challenges impacting child development.
  • Child sleep behaviors are crucial for overall health and development, yet are frequently disrupted in vulnerable populations.
  • Understanding the interplay between family dynamics and child sleep is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the influence of child and family functioning on child sleep behaviors.
  • To investigate the mediating role of family chaos in the relationship between child functioning and sleep problems.
  • To explore these associations within a sample of low-income, minority families at risk for obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design (2013-2014) with data collected during home visits.
  • Convenience sample of 72 low-income Hispanic and African American families with preschool-aged children recruited from Head Start.
  • Multivariate multiple linear regression and bootstrap mediation analyses were used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • Poorer child emotional and behavioral functioning were associated with increased total sleep behavior problems.
  • Family chaos significantly mediated the relationship between the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) scores and bedtime resistance.
  • No direct link was found between obesity risk and child sleep problems, but poorer functioning in at-risk children correlated with higher sleep problem risk.

Conclusions:

  • Child and family functioning are significant predictors of sleep behaviors in at-risk, low-income minority children.
  • Family chaos plays a crucial role in mediating the link between child functioning and sleep disturbances, particularly bedtime resistance.
  • Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm causality and inform interventions for improving child sleep and potentially mitigating obesity risk.

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