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Child sleep: A cross-sectional survey assessing parent perspectives and support needs
Mirjana Subotic-Kerry1, Brittany Corkish1, Kate Maston1
1Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Sleep Medicine
|January 6, 2026
Summary
Many parents report sleep problems in their 10-12-year-old children, often due to worry and screen time. They need accessible, age-appropriate resources to improve child sleep.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychology
- Family Health
Background:
- Sleep challenges are prevalent in school-aged children.
- Parental perspectives are crucial for understanding and addressing pediatric sleep issues.
- Existing resources may not adequately meet the needs of families with children experiencing sleep difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate parents' views on sleep problems in their 10-12-year-old children.
- To identify parents' preferences for information, tools, and resources to promote healthy sleep.
- To understand barriers and needs related to pediatric sleep management.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 250 Australian parents/guardians.
- The survey collected data on child sleep difficulties, barriers, impacts, and parental support needs.
- Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of parents reported children struggling to fall asleep or worrying at bedtime.
- Common barriers included worry, rumination, sleep initiation/maintenance difficulties, and screen use.
- Parents identified significant needs for sleep hygiene education, anxiety management strategies, and tailored resources.
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems, often linked to worry, are common in 10-12-year-old children.
- There is a clear need for credible, accessible, and age-appropriate resources for families.
- Family-centered, co-designed resources are essential for promoting healthy childhood sleep.
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