Examining the link between sleep and child development in early childhood

Association Between Sleep and Psychomotor Development in Early Childhood

Observational Universidade do Porto · NCT06816225

This study looks at how sleep patterns affect the development of children aged 2 to 6 months in Portugal to help parents and caregivers understand the importance of good sleep for their little ones.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment119 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 4 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidade do Porto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Porto)
Trial IDNCT06816225 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between sleep patterns and psychomotor development in children aged 2 to 6 months in Portugal. It aims to collect objective data on sleep parameters using actigraphy and questionnaires, while also evaluating melatonin levels. The findings could inform parents, educators, and policymakers about the importance of healthy sleep habits for children's development. By correlating sleep data with developmental indicators, the study seeks to promote better sleep practices in early childhood.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 2 to 6 months who were born at term without serious complications.

Not a fit: Patients with developmental pathologies or those taking daily medications that affect development may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep health education and practices that enhance child development.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on sleep and development, this study aims to provide new, objective data specific to Portuguese children, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 2 and 6 months year until the first assessment;
* Gestational age at birth 37 weeks or more;
* Delivery without serious complications for the child;
* Absence of developmental pathologies or pathologies that interfere with psychic and motor development;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-preterm birth but with severe growth restriction;
* Diagnosis of psychomotor development pathology;
* Diagnosis of pathology that interferes with psychomotor development;
* Taking daily medication, except vitamin supplements.

Where this trial is running

Porto

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleepchildhood,psychomotor developmentmelatoninactigraphy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.