Recent findings indicate that infants who nap frequently manifest limited vocabularies and diminished cognitive functions, an expression of their particular cognitive requirements. The study advises against restricting sleep for these children based on their mental age rather than chronological age, despite prevalent parental concerns.
A study from the University of East Anglia has revealed that infants with a tendency to nap frequently exhibit restricted vocabularies and weaker cognitive capacities. The issue is a pervasive source of worry for parents worldwide who often fret over the duration of their children’s sleep.
However, the study released today suggests that some children are more adept at assimilating information during sleep and, therefore, require fewer naps. On the other hand, children who have limited vocabularies and less developed cognitive skills often necessitate more frequent napping.
The research team emphasizes that curbing the napping duration for such children would not facilitate cognitive development; these children should be allowed to nap as much and as long as their needs dictate.
Lead investigator Dr. Teodora Gliga stated, “Parental concerns surrounding sleep are widespread. There’s anxiety that children are either not napping to the extent anticipated for their age or napping excessively. Our study indicates that a child’s frequency of napping is a reflection of their specific cognitive needs. Some children consolidate information more efficiently during sleep, thus needing fewer naps, while those with a restricted vocabulary or lower executive function measurements require more frequent naps.”
“Infants should be allowed the liberty to nap as long as their cognitive needs dictate,” she further elaborated.
The study analyzed 463 infants ranging from eight months to three years of age, during the 2020 lockdown. Parents provided information concerning their children’s sleep habits, their attention span, memory retention, and linguistic comprehension and expression.
The study also inquired about socio-economic factors, such as residential location, income, and educational background, as well as the time the children spent on screens and outdoor activities.
Dr. Gliga remarked, “The lockdown period offered a unique opportunity to explore children’s inherent sleep necessities, as daycare facilities were unavailable. The children, consequently, had less disturbance in their natural sleep patterns. We discovered that daytime sleep structure is an indicator of cognitive development. Infants who had more frequent but shorter naps than typically expected for their age exhibited limited vocabularies and cognitive capacities.”
“We also observed that this negative correlation between vocabulary size and nap frequency was more pronounced in older children,” she added.
“While most parents reported no significant changes in their child’s sleep patterns during the lockdown, those from lower socio-economic strata were more inclined to notice deteriorating sleep quality. Although screen time surged and outdoor activities declined during the lockdown, these factors did not explain the disparities in sleep patterns. Our research suggests that children have varying sleep needs, and caregivers should assess sleep necessities based on a child’s mental age rather than chronological age,” she concluded.
Reference: “More frequent naps are associated with lower cognitive development in a cohort of 8–38-month-old children, during the Covid-19 pandemic” by Teodora Gliga, Alexandra Hendry, Shannon P. Kong, Ben Ewing, Catherine Davies, Michelle McGillion, and Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez, published on 27 July 2023, in JCPP Advances.
DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12190
The research was spearheaded by the University of East Anglia, in conjunction with scholars from the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warwick. Funding was provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Infant Napping and Cognitive Development
What is the main finding of the research study conducted by the University of East Anglia?
The primary finding is that infants who nap more frequently tend to have limited vocabularies and reduced cognitive abilities. The study stresses that the frequency of naps reflects the child’s specific cognitive needs.
Who conducted this research and who funded it?
The research was led by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warwick. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) provided funding for the study.
How many infants were studied, and what was the age range?
The study examined 463 infants aged between eight months and three years during the lockdown in 2020.
What does the study recommend for parents who are concerned about their child’s frequent napping?
The study advises parents not to restrict the napping duration for such children. It emphasizes that sleep needs should be assessed based on a child’s mental age rather than chronological age.
Were any other factors like socio-economic status considered in the study?
Yes, the study took into account socio-economic factors like residential location, income, and education. It also considered the time spent by children on screens and outdoor activities.
Did the lockdown have any impact on the study’s findings?
The lockdown allowed researchers to study children’s intrinsic sleep needs in an environment with fewer external disruptions, such as daycare.
Is there a relationship between the frequency of naps and the age of the child?
The research noted that the negative association between vocabulary size and the frequency of naps was stronger in older children within the study’s age range.
What does the research say about the role of screen time and outdoor activities in sleep patterns?
The study found that while screen time increased and outdoor activities decreased during the lockdown, these factors did not explain the observed differences in children’s sleep patterns.
More about Infant Napping and Cognitive Development
- Study on Infant Napping and Cognitive Development
- University of East Anglia Research Publications
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- JCPP Advances Journal
- Child Cognitive Development
- Parental Concerns About Child Sleep
3 comments
This is interesting but what about the parents who can’t adjust their work schedules? Not every kid has the luxury of napping when they ‘need’ to.
Wow, this is really eye-opening! Always thought more naps meant better brain development. Guess its not that simple huh?
Am a bit skeptical here. Aren’t there other factors like diet and stimulation that affect cognitive dev? Seems like a narrow study.