Longitudinal Trends in Early Childhood Napping Behaviours
Abstract
This thesis explored longitudinal changes in nap behaviours among preschool-aged children, addressing inter- and intra-child variability. Using data from a large, nationally representative sample of Canadian children aged 1-6 years, Study One employed a generalized linear model to examine nap patterns over a 6-month period, revealing significant declines in daytime sleep proportion and duration, particularly among regular nappers. Additionally, 4% of children who were not napping at baseline resumed napping at follow-up. Study Two utilized binary logistic regressions to identify socio-ecological predictors influencing nap cessation, highlighting that longer nap duration and nighttime sleep issues correlate with lower odds of nap cessation. These findings provide insights into developmental changes in daytime sleep behaviours and factors influencing nap patterns among young children.