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Children's Sleep During COVID-19: How Sleep Influences Surviving and Thriving in Families

Nicole E MacKenzie1, Elizabeth Keys1, Wendy A Hall2

  • 1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Canada.

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|September 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted sleep for many Canadian children, particularly those with prior sleep issues. Disrupted routines and increased screen time were key factors, highlighting the need for adapted eHealth interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Psychology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to family life and routines.
  • Children with pre-existing sleep problems may be particularly vulnerable to pandemic-related disruptions.
  • Understanding pandemic effects on pediatric sleep is crucial for developing targeted support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize sleep changes in children with prior sleep issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify factors contributing to sleep alterations due to pandemic safety measures.
  • To understand parental and child needs for sleep support during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • An explanatory sequential, mixed-methods study involving 85 Canadian families.
  • Online surveys assessed children's and parents' sleep patterns.
  • Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 parents experiencing significant child sleep changes.

Main Results:

  • 40% of parents reported worsened child sleep quality during the pandemic.
  • Increased screen time, anxiety, and reduced exercise were cited as causes.
  • Disrupted routines and stress negatively impacted both children's and parents' sleep.

Conclusions:

  • The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected Canadian children's sleep, primarily through routine disruption.
  • Modified eHealth interventions, like the Better Nights, Better Days program, can address these pandemic-related sleep challenges.
  • Addressing the interplay of stress and sleep is vital for supporting families.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19childreneHealthmental healthparentssleep

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