Researchers at University of Galway are currently undertaking research to learn more about sleep habits and parental expectations about sleep in Ireland. The study is being undertaken alongside Reykjavík University in Iceland to make a cross cultural comparison of child and adult sleeping patterns.
Sleep is essential for good health and well-being throughout the life span. Getting a good night’s sleep can improve our mental and physical health. Globally, there is a concerning trend of decreasing sleep duration; this is particularly evident in children, with research suggesting that approximately 25 per cent of children have sleep disorders.
Cultural differences can also impact on sleep, and this research aims to look at cultural differences which may affect sleep in families in Ireland and Iceland. For example, children in Iceland often co-sleep in the same bedroom or in the parental bed.
The findings of this study can help researchers to develop culturally sensitive interventions to support families who have a child with a sleep problem.
University of Galway's researchers invite parents of children aged between two to nine years old, to take part in the survey by scanning the corresponding QR on the image, or by visiting https://psychologygalway.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_da6NDsYhiNpVLgi
The survey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and will help inform us about how to better support parents to achieve better sleep patterns.
Parents of more than one child can complete the survey for each child. Help for families experiencing sleep problems can be found at https://thesleepcharity .org.uk/information-support/children/.
