Sleep struggles are a common part of parenting preschool-aged children. But when those sleep problems persist, they can lead to more than just tired mornings—they can affect your child’s long-term wellbeing. A recent study sheds new light on how parenting style, parental mental health, and family background can shape sleep patterns in young children from age 3 to age 6.

If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s sleep issues, this article breaks down the research in warm, plain language—and offers guidance rooted in science.

Preschool Sleep Struggles: A Common Concern With Long-Term Impact

According to the study, many preschoolers experience sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent night waking, or resistance to bedtime. These issues often don’t resolve on their own.

• Children with sleep problems at age 3 were more likely to still have sleep problems at age 6.
• Persistent sleep issues in early childhood are linked to emotional and behavioral challenges later on.

Sleep isn’t just about rest—it plays a critical role in a child’s emotional regulation, learning, and development.

How Parenting Style Affects Sleep Development

The study examined how parenting styles influenced sleep outcomes. Parenting style was categorized as authoritarian, permissive, or other combinations based on responses from both mothers and fathers.

• Authoritarian parenting—structured and rule-based—was associated with fewer sleep problems when used by mothers with a history of mood disorders.
• Permissive parenting—more lenient and less consistent—was linked to more sleep problems, especially when mothers had a history of anxiety.

This suggests that a calm but consistent bedtime routine, clear boundaries, and predictable expectations may help reduce sleep difficulties.

Why Parental Mental Health Matters

The study also highlighted the impact of a parent’s mental health history—especially maternal mood and anxiety disorders—on a child’s sleep.

• Children whose mothers had a history of anxiety disorders showed more sleep problems over time.
• The link between parenting style and sleep was stronger when mothers had experienced anxiety or mood disorders.

This doesn’t mean parents with a history of mental health conditions can’t support healthy sleep. Instead, it highlights the importance of understanding how your own experiences may shape your child’s sleep environment.

What About Fathers?

The study included information from both parents. However, maternal mental health appeared to have a stronger association with children’s sleep patterns. This could reflect the larger caregiving role many mothers have during early childhood—but both parents play an important role in shaping routines and emotional climate.

Socioeconomic Factors Also Play a Role

Families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to see increases in their child’s sleep problems over time. Stress, crowded living conditions, or inconsistent routines can all contribute to disrupted sleep.

• Lower household income was linked with worsening sleep from age 3 to age 6.
• Supportive parenting can help buffer some of these effects.

If you're navigating sleep issues alongside financial stress or other challenges, you're not alone—and support is available.

What Can Parents Do?

This study shows that sleep challenges are influenced by more than just bedtime routines—they’re shaped by parenting, mental health, and life circumstances. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay consistent: Children thrive on predictable bedtime routines and clear boundaries.
•  Reflect on your parenting style: Even small shifts toward more structure and calm can make a difference.
• Seek support for your own mental health: Managing anxiety, stress, or mood symptoms helps you support your child more effectively.
• Reach out if sleep struggles persist: A pediatric sleep consultant, child psychologist, or family doctor can offer personalized help.</li>

Final Thoughts: A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach

Sleep difficulties in early childhood are common—and they don’t mean you’re doing something wrong. But understanding how parenting style and mental health play a role can empower you to make small, meaningful changes that improve sleep over time.

Whether you're trying to navigate bedtime resistance or middle-of-the-night wakeups, you're not alone. There are strategies that work, and support is available to help your child (and you) get the rest you need.

If you’d like support tailored to your family’s sleep challenges, reach out to a certified sleep consultant or speak to a trusted healthcare provider.

Reference:

Rodriguez, Alyssa & Isaac, Akira & Dougherty, Lea & Klein, Daniel & Bufferd, Sara. (2025). Sleep Difficulties Across Preschool Age: Associations with Parenting and Parental Psychopathology.

Journal of Child and Family Studies. 34. 1031-1047. 10.1007/s10826-025-03020-3.