Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

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

Published on: October 2, 2019

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Observed relationships between nap practices, executive function, and developmental outcomes in Tunisian childcare

Mohamed-Amine Ltifi1,2, Kar Hau Chong3, Ghaith Ben-Bouzaiene1

  • 1Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) "Sport Performance, Health & Society", Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia.

Sports Medicine and Health Science
|April 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Preschool children who nap after lunch show better anthropometric measures, including BMI and HAZ scores. Napping also enhances working memory and functional mobility, particularly in boys.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Pediatric Health
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Preschool children's development is influenced by various factors, including sleep habits.
  • Anthropometric characteristics, cognitive functions, and motor skills are key indicators of healthy development.
  • The impact of napping on these developmental aspects in preschool-aged children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare anthropometric characteristics, cognitive functions, and gross and fine motor skills in preschool children based on their nap habits.
  • To determine if napping influences body mass index (BMI), height-for-age z score (HAZ), and BMI-for-age z score (BAZ).
  • To assess the effect of napping on working memory, inhibition, functional mobility, and upper body strength.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study was conducted with 118 preschool-aged children divided into a nap group (n=59) and a no-nap group (n=59).
  • Data collected included anthropometric measurements, cognitive function tests (working memory, inhibition), and assessments of gross and fine motor skills.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes between the two groups, with significance levels set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • The nap group exhibited significantly higher BMI, HAZ, and BAZ scores compared to the no-nap group (p < 0.0001 for BMI and BAZ, p = 0.003 for HAZ).
  • Children who napped demonstrated better working memory performance (p = 0.002) but no significant difference in inhibition.
  • Napping was associated with improved functional mobility (p = 0.003) and upper body strength (p = 0.026), particularly in boys.

Conclusions:

  • Napping in preschool children is positively associated with improved anthropometric measures and cognitive functions, specifically working memory.
  • Nap habits appear to positively influence gross motor skills, including functional mobility and upper body strength, with a notable effect in boys.
  • These findings underscore the importance of napping for holistic child development and suggest potential areas for future research and intervention.

Keywords:
Early childhoodFine motor skillsGross motorInhibitionNapsWorking memory

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