Perspectives on Sleep from Multiethnic Community Parents, Pediatric Providers, and Childcare Providers.
Lois S Sadler, Nancy Banasiak, Craig Canapari and 7 others
PMID 32282623WHAT IT FOUND
Parents and providers agreed sleep matters but clashed on solutions.
Parents resisted naps and consistent routines due to stress and tradition, while providers underestimated children's sleep needs. Childcare centers were identified as the best place for sleep education.
Key findings
01Parents and providers disagreed on key sleep practices, with parents often resisting naps and consistent bedtimes due to family disruptions, while providers advocated for structured routines.
02Childcare providers generally underestimated the amount of sleep young children need compared to healthcare providers, though both groups recognized the need for more community education.
03Participants identified childcare centers as ideal locations for sleep workshops and interventions, noting that childcare staff have daily contact with families and are eager to learn more about sleep health.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in a single urban community in the Northeastern US, which may limit generalizability to other regions or rural areas. Participants were recruited from a pediatric primary care center serving mostly low-income families, so findings may not apply to higher-income populations. The sample size was relatively small (41 participants), and while thematic saturation was reached, the diversity of cultural backgrounds within the sample was noted as a limitation. The study describes perceptions and experiences but does not measure actual sleep outcomes or the effectiveness of any interventions.
Declared interests
The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (Extramural). The authors reported no other conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this as evidence that specific sleep interventions work or that childcare-based programs are effective. This is a qualitative study describing what parents and providers think and feel. It identifies barriers and preferences but does not test whether changing these factors improves sleep outcomes.