This week, you will complete the Research Proposal Introduction by combining your literature review with an overview of your topic and proposed study. You will begin your proposal introduction by identifying the specific problem area (what it is, why it is important) and the prevalence/scope of the problem. You should then lead into your literature review which you completed last week. Lastly, you should state the purpose of your study and research question(s), including hypotheses if applicable.

Literature Review to use with this paper:

In this literature review focused on common sleep disorders in children within the field of psychology, three peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and the present date were examined. The first article from AAFP highlights prevalent sleep disorders in children and their consequences, though it relies heavily on parental reports and features a relatively small sample size. The second AAFP article, adopting a longitudinal approach, explores the prevalence and impacts of sleep disorders in children but faces challenges due to resource-intensity and potential attrition rates. The third review article from ScienceDirect provides a comprehensive overview of the consequences of sleep disruption in children but lacks primary data collection and detailed statistical methods discussion. Collectively, these articles underscore the significance of addressing sleep disorders in children for their overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and further research in this domain.

Introduction

Sleep is a crucial component of a child's development and overall well-being yet sleep disorders in children are a growing concern. This literature review aims to explore the common sleep disorders in children and their consequences. We will examine three peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and the current date to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic.

Article 1: Common Sleep Disorders in Children | AAFP

The first article, "Common Sleep Disorders in Children," published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), focuses on identifying and addressing sleep disorders in children. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design, collecting data from 500 children aged 6-12 years using parental questionnaires and clinical assessments.

Summary

The article highlights that common sleep disorders in children include obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnia. Findings suggest that 8-12% of children experience sleep-disordered breathing, with significant implications for cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Critique

This article provides valuable insights into common sleep disorders in children. However, it relies heavily on parental reports, which may introduce bias and accuracy issues. Additionally, the sample size is relatively small, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Article 2: Sleep Disorders and Sleep Problems in Childhood | AAFP

The second article, "Sleep Disorders and Sleep Problems in Childhood," also published by AAFP, explores the prevalence and impact of sleep disorders and problems in children. The study employs a longitudinal design, following 1,000 children from infancy to adolescence, with data collected through sleep diaries, actigraphy, and polysomnography.

Summary

This article reveals that sleep problems are common in childhood, affecting up to 25% of children at some point. Sleep-disordered breathing, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders are among the most prevalent conditions. The study emphasizes the long-term consequences of untreated sleep disorders, including impaired academic performance and an increased risk of mental health issues.

Critique

This longitudinal study provides valuable data on sleep disorders' developmental trajectory. However, it is resource-intensive and time-consuming, potentially limiting its feasibility for smaller research teams. Additionally, attrition rates may affect the validity of long-term findings.

Article 3: Consequences of Sleep Loss or Sleep Disruption in Children (ScienceDirect)

The third article, "Consequences of Sleep Loss or Sleep Disruption in Children," published in ScienceDirect, investigates the consequences of sleep disruption in children. This review article synthesizes findings from various studies, including both experimental and observational research.

Summary

This comprehensive review highlights that sleep loss or disruption in children can lead to a wide range of adverse outcomes. These include cognitive deficits, mood disturbances, an increased risk of obesity, and compromised immune function. The article underscores the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits in children to mitigate these consequences.Critique: While this review provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, it lacks primary data collection. It relies on previously published studies, which may introduce selection bias based on the studies included. Additionally, the review does not delve into the specific statistical methods used in the primary studies it cites.

Conclusion

In conclusion, common sleep disorders in children are a significant concern for their physical and psychological well-being. The reviewed articles shed light on the prevalence, consequences, and importance of early intervention for sleep disorders in children. While each article has its strengths and weaknesses, collectively, they emphasize the need for further research in this field to develop effective interventions and preventive strategies.