Sleep: Is It an Investment in Early Intervention? -The Role of the Parent in Relation to Quality Sleep and Sleep Hygiene

Abstract

Early Intervention (EI) is the system of support and services that are made available for children and their families (Guralnick, 2011). The ability for children and families to engage fully in the therapies depend on many elements. One important element is sleep.

Much research has been undertaken in the area of sleep and sleep health. It is recognised as an important factor in public health. However in the area of EI and non neuro typical childrenﾒs sleep, there seem to be a little research available in this area. This piece of research looks at the importance of sleep, its benefits, parents involvement in the non neuro-typical childﾒs sleep hygiene, the quality of their sleep. It also looks at the affect that poor sleep has on the child, the parents, family life and EI. It explores the knowledge base of both parents and the professionals who provide therapies for these children and their families. It examines parents role in the sleep patterns and routines which currently take place within their homes.

Six professionals on EI teams were interviewed along with six parents of non neuro-typical children to understand their experiences of EI, the level of knowledge regarding sleep, sleep hygiene, and how sleep affects the child, the parents, the relationships around the child, and the interactions between the child and the EI services.

The findings of this research underlined the need for more supports for parents of non neuro-typical children along with the need for specialist training for the professionals involved, with regard to sleep hygiene, sleep quality and the significance of sleep.