Bedtime Consistency in Middle Childhood: Associations with School Engagement and Family Context in a National US Sample

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Bedtime Consistency in Middle Childhood: Associations with School Engagement and Family Context in a National US Sample
Language: English
Authors: Adam P. Knowlden (ORCID 0000-0003-0691-2994), Sarah M. Flora (ORCID 0009-0003-2429-1746)
Source: Journal of School Health. 2026 96(6).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) (DHHS/NIH)
Contract Number: K01HL145128
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Sleep, Children, Preadolescents, Family Environment, Scheduling, Self Management, Learner Engagement, Educational Environment, Trauma, Child Rearing, Individual Characteristics, Persistence, School Safety, Family Structure, Parenting Styles, Age Differences
DOI: 10.1111/josh.70163
ISSN: 0022-4391
1746-1561
Abstract: Background: Familial context influences children's sleep routines, yet population-level evidence linking school engagement and self-regulation to bedtime consistency is limited. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2022-2024 National Survey of Children's Health, including US children aged 6-11 years (N = 46,149). Sequential logistic regression models examined associations between bedtime consistency and school engagement, self-regulation, household and school context, adverse childhood experiences, caregiving factors, and demographics. Results: Lower behavioral self-regulation, task persistence, and homework completion, perceived school unsafety, family structure, adverse childhood experiences, lack of caregiver emotional support, parenting stress, and older age were associated with higher odds of bedtime inconsistency (Wald F(16, 43,084) = 36.53, p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, low behavioral self-regulation (aOR = 1.41), low task persistence (aOR = 1.69), and low homework completion (aOR = 1.72) remained significant. Model explanatory power was modest (Nagelkerke R² = 0.126). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Supporting behavioral regulation and coordinated family-school strategies may promote sleep regularity. Conclusions: Bedtime inconsistency reflects both school-based behavioral functioning and broader family context.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507975
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Background: Familial context influences children's sleep routines, yet population-level evidence linking school engagement and self-regulation to bedtime consistency is limited. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2022-2024 National Survey of Children's Health, including US children aged 6-11 years (N = 46,149). Sequential logistic regression models examined associations between bedtime consistency and school engagement, self-regulation, household and school context, adverse childhood experiences, caregiving factors, and demographics. Results: Lower behavioral self-regulation, task persistence, and homework completion, perceived school unsafety, family structure, adverse childhood experiences, lack of caregiver emotional support, parenting stress, and older age were associated with higher odds of bedtime inconsistency (Wald F(16, 43,084) = 36.53, p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, low behavioral self-regulation (aOR = 1.41), low task persistence (aOR = 1.69), and low homework completion (aOR = 1.72) remained significant. Model explanatory power was modest (Nagelkerke R² = 0.126). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Supporting behavioral regulation and coordinated family-school strategies may promote sleep regularity. Conclusions: Bedtime inconsistency reflects both school-based behavioral functioning and broader family context.
ISSN:0022-4391
1746-1561
DOI:10.1111/josh.70163