Sleep Regulates Emotional Control in Babies

Putting infants and toddlers to sleep during the day may contribute to decreasing their risks of suffering from mood-related disorders later on, the conclusions of a new study show. The paper proves that the young brain is working heavily on self-control during these brief naps.

Unfortunately, scientists say, the current global trend of people getting only a few hours of sleep per day is affecting toddlers as well. Statistical studies have already revealed that only a fraction of young children get sufficient amounts of sleep during the night, so daytime naps may contribute to their health in another manner as well.

“This study shows insufficient sleep in the form of missing a nap taxes the way toddlers express different feelings, and, over time, may shape their developing emotional brains and put them at risk for lifelong, mood-related problems,” explains researcher Monique LeBourgeois, PhD, the leader of the study, as quoted by PsychCentral.