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Behavioral intervention for sleep problems in childhood: a Brazilian randomized controlled trial

Renatha El Rafihi-Ferreira1, Maria Laura Nogueira Pires2, Edwiges Ferreira de Mattos Silvares3

  • 1Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida. Prof. Mello Moraes, 1721. Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508030, Brazil. rerafihi@usp.br.

Psicologia, Reflexao E Critica : Revista Semestral Do Departamento De Psicologia Da UFRGS
|February 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A parent-based behavioral intervention effectively improved sleep quality and daytime behavior in young children. This method is recommended for clinical and school settings to address childhood sleep problems.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Behavioral Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in children, impacting their behavior and emotional well-being.
  • Research on childhood sleep interventions is limited in Brazil.
  • Childhood sleep disturbances affect overall health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of a parent-based behavioral intervention for sleep issues in young children.
  • To examine the intervention's impact on children's daytime behavior.
  • To provide evidence for sleep intervention strategies in Brazil.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 62 children (ages 1-5) with sleep problems.
  • Intervention group received a 5-session parent-based behavioral guidance over 2 months.
  • Control group received no intervention initially; sleep and behavior assessed via parent reports and actigraphy.

Main Results:

  • Intervention group showed significant improvements in sleep latency and reduced night waking compared to the control group.
  • Children in the intervention group exhibited better bedtime behavior and less desire to sleep with parents.
  • Improvements in sleep and daytime behavior were sustained at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups.

Conclusions:

  • Parent-based behavioral intervention is effective for enhancing sleep quality in children.
  • The intervention positively influences children's diurnal behavior.
  • This approach is suitable for implementation in psychology clinics and schools.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviorBehavioral interventionChildrenSleepSleep problems

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