Cheyenne Simpson

Education & Teacher Training, Early Childhood Studies, Teaching & Learning Support Primary (Blackburn) | Year 3 | Degree: BA Hons Early Childhood Studies

Does sleep deprivation impact children's holistic development?

The impact of the quality and quantity of sleep is often considered regarding good health, cognitive development and overall function. We are taught from a young age the importance of sleep as it is imposed on us from our parents and medical professionals, despite this it is estimated that a quarter of children under the age of five do not receive adequate sleep (Pacheco and Vyas, 2020), so the question remains; do we understand why sleep is so important? This research project aims to explore the impact sleep deprivation has on not only children’s holistic development but also the impact a poor sleep routine can have on families (Institute of health visiting, 2020). Additionally, the research project will explore what support is available for parents from both a professional outlook as well as parents individual experiences. To ensure validity of the research the primary research will be conducted through triangulation, using two different approaches to collecting data, the primary research will be conducted through a focus group with parents of children aged 0-8, and a questionnaire aimed at medical professionals will be carried out to ensure non-bias research (Carter, et al., 2014).