Research Reveals Connection Between Sleep Disorders and School Readiness

Newswise — Researchers at the University of Haifa found a higher rate of sleep disorders among kindergarteners who are evaluated and found not ready for first grade than among their peers who are ready. The research was conducted by Dr. Iris Afek under the direction of Dr. Oren Lamm and Prof. Giora Pillar at the School of Education at the University of Haifa.

Although it is widely accepted that many children suffer from sleep disorders, and that sleep disorders are somehow connected to learning disabilities, concentration and behavioral problems, most sleep disorders among children remain undiagnosed. The researchers at the University of Haifa searched for a connection between sleep patterns and reading readiness.

The research, which was conducted in conjunction with the Sleep Research Laboratory at the Technion, examined 148 kindergarteners. Ninety-eight of the children began first grade on schedule, and 50 spent an additional year in kindergarten following the recommendation of their teachers. The findings of the research showed a marked difference between the sleep patterns of the two groups of children. Dr. Afek explained the difference between the groups: "The children who were not ready for first grade had more fitful sleep at night. Their sleep patterns were less restful and characterized by various disturbances."

The study also evaluated the academic achievements of the first-graders and found a clear correlation between healthy sleep patterns and good grades. After analyzing the results of the study, Dr. Afek recommends that sleep disorders in children be evaluated and treated while children are still in nursery school in order to avoid resulting developmental delays.