Sleep Health in Preschoolers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthy Sleep Intervention For Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the SHIP Intervention

The SHIP study is a randomized controlled trial of an intervention for preschool children with sleep problems, in which we aim to give parents the knowledge, motivation, and skills necessary to set goals, problem-solve, and improve their child's sleep. In collecting three years of follow-up data, we will be able to determine the impact of the SHIP intervention on childhood sleep problems, obesity, academic achievement, and emotional and behavioral problems, as well as parental stress and daytime tiredness. This study has the dual potential to expand treatment resources for young children with behavioral sleep problems and to increase our scientific understanding of the long-term consequences of early childhood sleep problems.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30-71 months
• Child behavioral sleep problem, as demonstrated by a score on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) of at least 50, or a score of 41-49 and reported weeknight sleep of 9hrs or less per night
• English speaking parent or guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sleep disordered breathing, as demonstrated by a score on the CSHQ of at least 5
• Currently taking prescribed sleep medications, psychostimulants, and/or systemic corticosteroids
• Serious medical conditions likely to affect sleep, including diabetes or cancer
• Major cognitive or developmental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder