Study of Sleep Patterns and Psychomotor Development in Children Aged 2 to 4 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying sleep patterns and their connection to psychomotor and physical growth in Portuguese children aged 2 to 4 years. This observational study aims to fill the gap in recent data about how children sleep in Portugal and to understand how sleep affects healthy development. The findings may help promote better sleep habits through education for parents, teachers, and policymakers. Participants will be observed using tools like actigraphy, which tracks sleep rhythms, and the Schedule of Growing Skills II, which assesses developmental skills. Sleep habits will be evaluated with a questionnaire validated for Portuguese children, and melatonin levels will be measured from first-morning urine samples. These assessments will be done at ages 24 to 30 months, 3 years, and 4 years to monitor changes over time. During the study, children will undergo evaluations at these three time points to track sleep hygiene, psychomotor development, melatonin levels, body mass index, and frequency of infections. The study involves no treatment but careful observation and data collection to understand the relationships between sleep and development. Participation will last until the child reaches 4 years of age, with ongoing monitoring to gather comprehensive information.

Association Between Sleep and Psychomotor Development in Early Childhood