Toddler's self‐regulation strategies in a challenge context are nap‐dependent

• DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12260
• Publication Date: 2014-11-13T06:02:28Z
• Authors: Alison L. Miller; Ronald Seifer; Rebecca Crossin; Monique K. Lebour...
• Keywords: Nap; Toddler; Sleep restriction; Perseveration; Sleep

Summary Early childhood represents a time of developmental changes in both sleep and self‐regulation, construct reflecting the ability to control one's behaviour, attention emotions when challenged. Links between self‐regulation processes have been proposed, but experimental evidence with young children is lacking. In current study, we tested effects acute restriction (nap deprivation) on toddlers’ self‐regulation. Healthy ( n = 12; four males; aged 30–36 months (33.9 ± 1.7)) slept strict schedule (verified actigraphy diaries) for 5 days before each two afternoon assessments following nap no‐nap condition (~11‐day protocol). Children were videotaped while attempting an unsolvable puzzle, 10 mutually exclusive strategies later coded. On average, lost ~90 min versus day. Nap deprivation resulted moderate‐to‐large strategies, decreases scepticism d 0.77; 7% change), negative self‐appraisal 0.92; 5% change) increases physical self‐soothing 0.68; 10% focus puzzle piece that would not fit (perseveration; 0.50; 9% insistence completing 0.91; change). Results suggest serves important role way toddlers respond challenging events their daily lives. After losing daytime sleep, less able engage effectively difficult task reverted mature than they well rested. Over time, chronically missed may impair children's abilities, resulting risk social–emotional, behavioural school problems.