The Moderating Effects of Temperament on Sleep and Inhibition in Preschoolers

Abstract

Research has found that sleep is essential to executive functioning for young children, with one important area of executive functioning being inhibition. However, there is evidence that the effects of limited sleep may vary by individual differences. Temperament is one factor that accounts for individual differences. This study investigated whether temperamental differences moderate the relationship between sleep and inhibition in a sample of 217 participants (47% boys) aged 4 to 6.5 years of age. Sleep duration was assessed via parent-report and the temperament dimensions of negative affectivity and extraversion were measured using the Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) - Short Form. Inhibition was assessed via a computerized Go/No-Go task, with inhibition specifically measured by percent of correct No-Go trials. Neither temperament dimension moderated the relationship between sleep duration and inhibition. However, sex played a significant role in explaining inhibition.