After lunch naps reduce the afternoon motor activity of 4-5-year old enrolled in full-time childcare

Abstract

Objective. To determine the relationship between napping and the afternoon motor activity of preschool-aged children. Method. Par­ticipants were 42 healthy 4-5-year olds from two child care centers (CCCs) - one where children could choose whether or not to nap after lunch (CCC I) and another one where all children were encouraged to do so (CCC II). Each participant wore an actigraphy watch for seven days so that their sleep/wake cycle and afternoon motor activity were objectively measured. In order to compare the children´s mean afternoon motor activity on napping and non-napping days, all chil­dren were required not to nap on at least one weekday. Results. The children´s mean afternoon motor activity was negatively correlated to their mean nap duration (r=-0.46; p<0.05 ). The mean motor activity was smaller on nap days compared to non-nap days for the CCC II (t = -2.33; p<0.03) but not for the CCC I (t=0.96; p=0.35). Conclu­sion. After lunch naps reduce the afternoon motor activity of 4-5- year olds enrolled in full-time child care.