Effects of sleeping hours and sleeping habits on the academic performance of six- and seven-year-old children: A preliminary study

The present research study analyses the relationship between quantitative and qualitative aspects of sleep and the academic performance of six- and seven-year-old children. 142 students attending different primary schools and with no pathological sleep disorders were assessed about their sleeping hours and sleeping habits by means of a questionnaire administered to their parents. At the same time, a series of academic competencies were assessed (communicative, methodological, transversal, and specific competencies). Results showed a poorer academic performance of those children who slept fewer hours and who presented inappropriate sleeping habits, an effect that had been shown in previous studies. Sleeping less than nine hours and going to bed late or irregularly affects performance of all competencies assessed, with the exception of the specific competencies that were only affected by bad sleeping habits. The authors conclude that maintaining an adequate sleeping hygiene contributes to a positive cognitive development and suggest the establishment of appropriate prevention programmes.