How would you like to do research with toddlers who had not had their naps? That is what Colorado University Boulder Assistant Professor Monique LeBourgeois did.
According to an article on CU-Boulder's website, to be published in the Journal of Sleep Research, toddlers who missed even just one nap "had a 34 percent decrease in positive emotional responses... (and) showed a 31 percent increase in negative emotional responses." Children who DID have a nap showed "a 39 percent decrease in the expression of 'confusion' (when attempting to solve an unsolvable puzzle)."
"Less positive, more negative and decreased cognitive engagement when facing challenges." Sounds like some adults (and college students) I know. They must not have taken naps as toddlers.
In fact, LeBourgeois said that her research suggests, "Lack of sleep (as toddlers) disrupts their ability to build skills for managing emotions... That puts them at risk for lifelong mood-related problems such as anxiety and depression."
So, looking for another reason to blame your mother for your current inability to cope with life's challenges? "Mom didn't make me take naps as a kid and I still have negativity, anxiety and depression." Even if it is "her fault" you are the way you are it is your fault if you stay that way. Learn now the skills you should have learned as a toddler.
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Naps are a very good idea. I am the oldest of all the kids in my family and I know first hand how cranky little kids can be without a nap. My parents always made me take naps.
ReplyDeleteMcCall Ishmael
Social Psychology
MWF 910-10
I'm twenty years old and I still take a nap because it refreshes me looks like my own research back's up what this study has shown
ReplyDeletePhilip Johnston
Gen Psy
MWF 11:10 12:00
As a toddler my parents made me take a nap, then as I got older I didn't take many amymore. Now that I am in college I take one almost everyday. I agree with the research that by taking naps, it helps with the negative emotions. After I wake up from a nap I feel refreshed and positive.
ReplyDeleteLauren Pittman
General Psy
MWF 1110-12
I know that in other countries they have a period in the day for people to nap. I wonder if a study was done with adults in a certain community were to nap if crime rates as a whole would change. Maybe we all can benefit from taking responsibilities for our selves.
ReplyDeleteBrandy Hoyt
General Psychology
11:10 AM
This is very interesting.. in the way that, just a little nap when you were younger could have changed the way that you are today. Also, it would be cool to see if the nap has any effect on adults ??
ReplyDeleteSkye Norwood
Gen Psych
12:10 MWF
When my daughter was a toddler, and not knowing this information, it was clear that a nap depended on her mood. No nap....terrible mood! Now that she's a little older and outgrown naps, I can tell that a good night sleep is just as important. The nights she is up later that usual or woke up because of a bad dream causes her to have a rough day at school. And those are the days I usually get a "note" sent home.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Jones
Personality Psychology
MWF 10:10
Amy Yelle MWF 9:10
ReplyDeleteI have one kid that functions well without a nap and actually becomes cranky when she takes one, but she does have social anxiety. Then I have my youngest, who is not my pretty little girl, if she goes without a nap.lol I have also observed that on the nights they sleep soundly and through the night, that the are in far better moods the following day.
I took naps all the time when I was a toddler but when I his 6 or 7 I stopped because I didnt want to. I was told I was any unpleasant from not taking naps. But once I got in late elementry and middle school I get home and take a 2 or 3 hour nap on Grandma's couch. I always seem to be tired and taking those long naps didnt bother me when it came time for bed.
ReplyDeleteLee Stewart
12:10 MWF
Gen Psych Warner