This study measured the sleep attributes of 30 normal 12-month-old
children with a
computerized movement detector (Actigraph). Data on the child's temperament
was based
on the Carey Toddler Temperament Questionnaire, which the mother completed.
The main
finding was that rhythmic children went to sleep earlier and had longer
sleep duration;
however, their sleep pattern was not more efficient compared to children
with irregular
rhythmicity. The results of the present study provide only limited evidence
to the association
between the regulation of sleep-wake cycles and the temperamental characteristics
of the
child. Hence it may be concluded that within non-referred low-risk infants,
temperament
does not discriminate between good and poor sleepers. Alternatively, however,
the marginal
relationship between sleep and temperament demonstrated in the present
study may reflect
the limitation of maternal perception as a source for temperament assessment.