The effects of the means of school transport used on attention and sleep patterns of 7 to 8 year-old children
The aim of this research was to study the effect of school transport on the levels of and variations in attention and sleep in 31 seven to eight year-old pupils. The attention level was measured using number and picture cancellation tests and the tests were taken collectively with four sittings per day from Monday to Friday (9.00 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm). To study sleep patterns the families filled in a standardised question grid from Monday to Sunday. The method of transport had no effect on either attention levels or sleep. The daily and weekly profiles obtained corresponded closely to those expected for children of this age group. The results would suggest a combination of different socio-ecological synchronisers which limit the school transport effect observed in previous studies. Journey times and adjustments in school hours have enabled the length of the children's day to remain acceptable. Synchronisation effects resulting from family life and modifications of school hours should also be considered when looking at the length and regularity of children's sleep.