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Published on: April 7, 2020
A paediatric group neglected in research: A systematic review on the sleep patterns, chronotype, latitude and
Sandra Figueiredo1, Genta Kulari1, Ana Gomes1
1Department of Psychology, Integrated Researcher of the Psychology Research Centre (CIP) of Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and of Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal; Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Luís de Camões (UAL), Palácio Dos Condes Do Redondo, R. de Santa Marta 56, 1169-023, Lisbon, Portugal.
Insights
Chronotype assessment in children (ages 4-11) is often inadequate, with limited understanding of its links to sleep, environment, and culture. More research is needed to understand these relationships for better child development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Science
- Chronobiology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Chronotype, an individual's daily biological rhythm, is crucial for well-being.
- Understanding chronotype in school-aged children is vital for their development.
- Current research inadequately addresses chronotype assessment and its correlates in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review how chronotype is assessed in children aged 4-11.
- To explore the relationship between chronotype, sleep habits, and socio-environmental factors.
- To identify gaps in the literature regarding pediatric chronobiology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Inclusion of 31 eligible studies.
- Independent review by three researchers.
Main Results:
- Chronotype assessment in children is frequently insufficient, with limited professional and parental awareness.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding how latitude and sociocultural factors influence pediatric chronotype, sleep, and vigilance.
- Inconsistent methodologies for measuring sleep quality and chronotype were observed, with frequent conflation of the two constructs.
- Most existing research focuses on adult chronobiology, neglecting pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to elucidate the predictive role of chronotype, sleep habits, and socio-environmental factors in children's mental health and cognitive development.
- There is an immediate need for parental education on establishing healthy sleep-wake routines for children.
- Standardized methods for assessing pediatric chronotype and sleep are required.
Abstract:
This study presents a systematic review design aiming to explore how chronotype features are assessed in school-aged children (ages 4-11) and how chronotype is related to sleep habits, household dynamics, ethnicity, and geographical latitude. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Thirty-one studies were identified as eligible and reviewed by three independent researchers. The main findings indicate that chronotype is often under-assessed in school-aged children, with both professionals and parents reporting limited knowledge of children's sleep patterns. Additionally, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding how chronotype, sleep patterns, and vigilance are influenced by latitude and sociocultural factors. Most research on the relationship among the aforementioned variables is focused on adults rather than children. Furthermore, the methods for measuring sleep quality and chronotype were found to be inconsistent, with chronotype and sleep quality often used interchangeably. Based on these findings, further research is needed to explore how chronotype, sleep habits, and cultural or latitudinal factors might predict mental health and cognitive development in children. In terms of practical implications, there is an urgent need for re-education of parents on establishing healthy sleep and wake routines for their children.
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