0839 Parental Perspectives on the Effectiveness of a Sleep Intervention for Preschoolers: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract Introduction Healthy sleep is essential to a child's development, particularly during preschool. However, interventions that address sleep difficulties among children in this age group are scarce. This preliminary study explored parental perspectives on the effectiveness and barriers of a short sleep intervention for preschool children. Methods Twenty-nine families (either one or both parents) and their 3 to 5-year-olds participated in a two-hour sleep intervention and one-hour follow-up meeting to address children's sleep difficulties. Parents were taught about children’s optimal sleep habits. They were given tips on maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, managing their child's anxiety at bedtime and during the night, helping their child fall asleep independently, and reducing the occurrence of nightmares and night terrors. Parents were asked open-ended questions two months later to assess its success and barriers. Responses were analyzed using NVivo 14.23.2 to identify common themes. Results Numerous parents reported that their child's sleep improved in at least one aspect after the intervention. The most reported improvements were reduced nighttime awakenings, improved sleep independence, reduced sleep onset latency, a consistent sleep schedule and routine, and reduced conflicts at bedtime. More than half of parents noted that at least one aspect of their own sleep had improved, the most common being reduced sleep fragmentation. Almost all parents denoted other positive outcomes, such as better moods and reduced fatigue in children, increased patience, more personal time, improved mood and heightened energy levels in parents. A few parents indicated having a better relationship with their child. Sleep difficulties persisted in some children, such as trouble falling asleep, autonomous sleep and nighttime awakenings. Among parents who identified obstacles in implementing sleep strategies, conflicts at bedtime, changing sleep schedules, separation anxiety, and screens before bedtime were the most frequent. Conclusion Parents found the brief intervention effective and well-suited to their specific needs. Reducing children's sleep difficulties contributed to improving parents' sleep quality and the overall health and well-being of the family. This research highlights the need for tailored interventions that address preschoolers' sleep issues. Support (if any) This study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).