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Feasibility of an Unguided, Parent-Focused, Online Program for Sleep Problems in Young Children: The Lights Out

Caroline L Donovan1,2, Evren Etel3, Laura Uhlmann3

  • 1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. c.donovan@griffith.edu.au.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|April 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This pilot study found the online Lights Out Online program feasible for improving young children's sleep and reducing anxiety and behavior problems. Parents reported satisfaction, though parent depression and stress did not significantly improve.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Digital Health Interventions
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep problems in young children are common, leading to negative outcomes for children and families.
  • Parent-focused interventions are crucial for addressing pediatric sleep issues.
  • Online delivery offers a scalable solution for sleep interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility of the unguided, online Lights Out Online program.
  • To evaluate parent adherence, acceptability, and program effects on child sleep, anxiety, behavior, and parental well-being.
  • To examine impacts on parental self-efficacy, sleep, depression, and anxiety.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot, open (uncontrolled) trial with within-group repeated measures (baseline and 12-weeks post-baseline).
  • 24 parents of children aged 3-6 years with sleep problems participated.
  • Feasibility assessed via adherence rates, parent satisfaction, and pre-post outcome measures.

Main Results:

  • High parent satisfaction and adherence (3.58/4 sessions completed).
  • Significant improvements observed in child sleep, child anxiety, child behavior problems, parent sleep, parent anxiety, and parental self-efficacy.
  • No significant improvements were noted for parent depression and parent stress.

Conclusions:

  • The Lights Out Online program shows preliminary feasibility and effectiveness for improving child sleep and parental self-efficacy.
  • Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is warranted.
  • Online, parent-focused interventions are a promising avenue for addressing pediatric sleep problems.

Keywords:
Behavioural interventionChildParentPediatric insomniaeHealth

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