Mandatory naptime in childcare settings is associated with increased napping but may reduce nighttime sleep and total daily sleep duration in young children.
A systematic review of 6 studies found that mandatory naptime (tested in 4 studies) was associated with increased napping. One study reported that mandatory naptime was associated with reduced nighttime sleep and total daily sleep duration. Music and massage therapy (each tested in 1 study) were associated with reduced nap latency.
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Mandatory naptime in childcare settings is associated with increased napping but may reduce nighttime sleep and total daily sleep duration in young children. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 47/100 (low).
The Claim
Mandatory naptime in childcare settings is associated with increased napping but may reduce nighttime sleep and total daily sleep duration in young children.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Young children under 5 years old in childcare settings.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy of sleep promotion strategies in childcare settings and sleep outcomes in young children: a systematic review. (Frontiers in sleep, 2026) — A systematic review of 6 studies found that mandatory naptime (tested in 4 studies) was associated with increased napping. One study reported that mandatory naptime was associated with reduced nighttime sleep and total daily sleep duration. Music and massage therapy (each tested in 1 study) were associated with reduced nap latency.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Mandatory naptime is implemented in childcare settings
- ▸Children are required to nap at scheduled times
- ▸This increases the opportunity and likelihood of napping
- ▸Increased napping may reduce the need for nighttime sleep, leading to shorter nighttime sleep and total daily sleep
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Young children under 5 years old in childcare settings
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only 6 studies met eligibility criteria, indicating a paucity of research
- ▸Most studies focused on mandatory naptime, with limited evidence on other strategies like music and massage
- ▸The review did not report effect sizes or meta-analytic results, limiting quantitative synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mandatory naptime improve overall sleep in young children?▼
Mandatory naptime increases napping but may reduce nighttime sleep and total daily sleep, so overall sleep benefits are unclear.
What sleep promotion strategies were studied in childcare?▼
The review identified mandatory naptime, music, and massage therapy as the strategies tested.
How many studies were included in this systematic review?▼
Six studies met the eligibility criteria.
What is the research gap highlighted by this review?▼
There is limited research on sleep promotion strategies other than mandatory naptime, such as sleep environment and provider behaviors.
References
- 1.O'Hagan B, Chmielewski S, Deokule N, Josephson A, Von Ash T. “Efficacy of sleep promotion strategies in childcare settings and sleep outcomes in young children: a systematic review..” Frontiers in sleep, 2026. PMID: 42558381 DOI: 10.3389/frsle.2026.1818620