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[WHO Guideline: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Sleep for Children under 5 Years of Age]
Isolde Sommer1, Barbara Nußbaumer-Streit1,2, Gerald Gartlehner1,2,3
1Department für Evidenzbasierte Medizin und Evaluation, Donau-Universität Krems, Krems, Österreich.
Insights
Establishing healthy habits in early childhood is crucial. This guideline recommends optimal sleep and physical activity durations for children under five to promote well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Early childhood is a critical period for habit formation.
- Family lifestyle habits are adaptable during early childhood.
- Establishing healthy routines supports long-term well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-based recommendations on sleep and physical activity for children under five.
- To guide parents and caregivers on optimal daily time allocation for health.
- To promote the health and well-being of young children through recommended activity and sleep durations.
Main Methods:
- Guideline development by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Adherence to established WHO standards for guideline creation.
- Translation and dissemination by WHO Collaborating Center.
Main Results:
- A child's 24-hour day comprises sleep, sedentary time, and physical activity.
- Physical activity can range from light to vigorous intensity.
- Recommendations focus on balancing these components for optimal child health.
Conclusions:
- Young children require adequate sleep and physical activity for healthy development.
- Opportunities for safe, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate play-based physical activities are essential.
- Adherence to recommended durations supports children's overall health and well-being.
Background:
Early childhood is a time during which a child's habits are formed and family lifestyle habits are open to changes and adaptations.
Objective:
This guideline provides recommendations on the amount of time during the 24 hours of a day that young children, under 5 years of age, should spend being physically active or sleeping for their health and wellbeing.
Method:
The guideline was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in accordance with WHO standards. The summary was translated into German by employees of the WHO Collaborating Center at Danube University Krems (Austria).
Results And Conclusion:
A day consists of sleep time, sedentary time and physical activity of light, moderate or vigorous intensity. Young children should have opportunities to participate in a range of developmentally appropriate, safe, enjoyable play-based physical activities.