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Sleep patterns and determinants of sleep disturbances in preschool children in the CoAlHaS cohort

L Sanchez-Piorno1, I Gomez-Acebo2, J Alonso-Molero2

  • 1Preventive Medicine Group, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL-Valdecilla Health Research Institute, Santander, Spain.

Sleep Medicine
|July 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances affect over a third of preschool children, linked to prematurity and screen time. Improving sleep habits may require targeted interventions focusing on family routines.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are a significant public health issue in early childhood with long-term health and developmental implications.
  • Preschool-aged children are particularly vulnerable to developing sleep problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine sleep patterns in preschool-aged children.
  • To identify factors associated with sleep disturbances in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 1287 children in the CoAlHaS cohort (Cantabria, Spain).
  • Assessed sleep patterns using the Spanish version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-SP).
  • Employed ANOVA, t-tests, and logistic regression to analyze associations with perinatal, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of sleep problems was 36.22% in the sample.
  • Factors associated with poor sleep included prematurity, increased screen time, and late bedtimes.
  • Higher maternal education and younger child age were associated with reduced odds of poor sleep.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in early childhood, even when recommended sleep duration is met.
  • Early identification of at-risk children is crucial.
  • Targeted interventions addressing sleep routines and modifiable family factors are essential for improving sleep habits.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildPreschoolPreterm birthScreen timeSleep wake disordersSocioeconomic factors

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