Sleep-related parental behavior and sleep of children. a review

Background. Sleep disorders are prevalent in childhood and their causes are much discussed. Parental behavior seems to have a special influence on a child's sleep. Method. This review focuses on the correlation between sleep disorders in childhood and sleep-related parenting behavior. Ten studies are included that collected family data, primarily through self-evaluation of the parents. The age of the children varied from zero to five years. Results. The results of the included studies evince that active soothing of the child and/or spatial proximity is positively correlated with sleep problems. It can be assumed that the parental behavior lessens the conation of the child to develop its own reassurance strategies. In contrast, autonomy-promoting strategies, emotional availability and bedtime routines have soporific effects and can improve the quality of sleep of the child. The results are discussed with regard to their practical importance. Conclusion. The complex system of child sleep consists not only of sleep-related parenting strategies, but includesmany other factors.