05-12-2023 | Original Paper
Changes in Sleep and Association with Screen Exposure and Diet among Preschool Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 2/2024
Log in om toegang te krijgenAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions to minimize transmission of the virus affected the population worldwide. As a result of prolonged home confinement in Greece, changes in work schedules, disruptions of the educational process, the challenge of online learning, the constant need for self-protection, and the restrictions on social interaction, the family life was dramatically altered. In this study, sleep patterns of preschool children were recorded, and effects of screen time and diet were investigated in relation to quarantine due to COVID-19. Parents of 146 children provided data on their children’s night-time sleep habits, dietary habits, and screen time exposure. Children’s sleep problems were measured with the Children’s Sleep Questionnaire. Descriptive and qualitative analyses showed that most parents (54.1%) reported that children’s sleep habits changed during the imposed home confinement. Children with more sleep problems were more likely to have increased screen exposure. The present study provides evidence on the negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the sleep behavior of Greek preschoolers. Focused action is needed to safeguard and promote preschoolers’ physical and mental health during the lockdown and the recovery period.