New Study Finds That Children’s Sleep Problems Could Be Genetic
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that genetic predisposition for sleep problems such as insomnia can be present early in a child’s life. The study, which involved 2,458 European children, found that children genetically predisposed to insomnia had more difficulty falling asleep and frequently woke up during the night. The study also found a genetic predisposition to sleeping longer was related to improved quality of sleep.
“It wasn’t a surprise to me that there is a genetic determination of sleep in children as there is in adults,” said Dr. Amita Sehgal, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
In light of the findings, Dr. Desana Kocevska, a sleep scientist involved in the study, highlighted the importance of sleep hygiene practices from an early age. The study suggests that children of parents who have sleep difficulties may be particularly vulnerable to sleep problems, making sleep hygiene practices especially important for this group.
“It’s important to try to ensure they’ve finished eating a few hours before bedtime, darken their bedroom as much as they’re comfortable with, and pay attention to their natural circadian rhythm,” said Dr. Sehgal.
While the study provides new insights into the genetic basis of sleep problems in children, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying processes. For now, the findings suggest that parents and caregivers should be mindful of their child’s sleep health and take proactive measures to establish healthy bedtime habits.