Sleep and parenting young children : a qualitative study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in studies exploring the relationship between sleep and parenting. However, few have looked specifically at the relationship between sleep and parenting young children beyond infancy. As such, the present study was conducted to understand the relationship between paternal and maternal sleep and parenting young children beyond infancy. For the three weeks of the study, eight heterosexual participants (four couples) from six countries wore sleep trackers, rated their sleep daily, and took daily notes on their self-perceived parenting. During this time, four weekly interviews took place starting on day 1 of the study and alternating between 1-on-1 interviews with each parent and with the couple together. Results showed that sleep primarily influences parents’ patience, followed by their mood, and ability to be present and active with their children. These effects were most noticeable for parents on weekday mornings when parents reported being under most intense time pressure. Parents also reported that sleep quality rather than quantity has more significant effects on their parenting. Moreover, this study found that the effects of sleep last beyond just the next day. As nights of sleep add up, the effects of poor sleep compound, decreasing parents’ ability to remain patient, in a positive mood, or active and present. According to parents, child behaviour, naps and other breaks from parenting, spousal support, work stress, and health buffered against the effects of poor sleep. Finally, participants reported that their children unequivocally have the largest effect on parental sleep quality and quantity. The younger children are, the more extensive the effect appeared to be. To a far lesser extent parent’s sleep was also influenced by their partner and other physical, work, or family related stressors.