Developmental Changes in Sleep Schedule: Influences of Mother's Time Use.

This study shows the developmental changes of Japanese children in sleep schedules from 0 to 15 years of age, focusing on the influences of their mothers' time use. Data used for this study were derived from a web questionnaire survey conducted in September 2013. The sample consisted of women having a husband and children (under 15 years old), who reside in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The valid sample size excluding quite short time responses and/or inappropriate answers was 502. The average bedtime for 0-9 years old was between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m., a shift later from 10 years ago. The sleep schedules of children with employed mothers were significantly later than non-employed mothers for the ages 0 to 12. However, sleep schedules did not show a linear correlation with mothers' working hours. Logistic regression analysis with a subsample limited to 0-12 years old (n=233) tested the factors affecting late bedtimes. The result showed that whereas a later return home by mothers and having support from grandparents increased the probability of late bedtimes while fathers' childcare and co-residence with grandparents decreased the probability. To prevent late bedtimes, it is important that mothers return home earlier and fathers handle more childcare. Receiving support from grandparents has a double-edged effect: support from non-resident grandparents is more likely associated with late bedtimes. This study speaks to the need for a fundamental change in Japanese full-time employee work schedules so as to retrieve a sound life for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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