Dr Azizi A. Seixas, PhD
Inaugural Chair of the Department of Informatics and Health Data Science at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Parents searching for a stress-free bedtime solution need not look further. This World Sleep Month, a sleep expert outlines why sleep is so important for our little ones.
Dr Azizi Seixas, PhD, explains: “In general, children need a lot more sleep than adults. Children need more sleep because sleep supports and facilitates normal and proper biological development of the brain and nervous system.”
App enhances children’s sleep
Scientifically proven to help kids in all stages of development sleep better, Moshi Kids audio stories can help kids fall asleep 28 minutes quicker and experience 50% fewer night wakings.1
Bedtime is stressful for 72% of parents, making it a challenging time for families.2 Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine conducted a study on the Moshi app, revealing its effectiveness in improving children’s sleep quality. Led by Dr Seixas at NYU Langone Health, the study examined how the app benefits sleep patterns and behaviours, including for children with autism or ADHD. Findings showed that the app’s sleep audio significantly enhanced sleep health, providing scientific evidence of its positive impact on children’s bedtime routines.
Children using the Moshi
app fell asleep faster, slept
longer and woke up less.
Boosting sleep quality and daytime energy
Children using the Moshi app fell asleep faster, slept longer and woke up less. Parents also reported improved sleep quality through self-reported measures. Dr Seixas explains: “From the mindful exercises that children can participate in during the day, to the bedtime stories at night, an audio app like Moshi helps ground children and gives them a sense of calm before bedtime. Sleep is important for boosting energy levels, improving memory but also it helps kids manage anxiety and stress while reducing their focus on any negative thoughts.”
Addressing sleep health disparities
Dr Alicia Chung of NYU Langone Health oversaw an experiment, alongside Dr. Seixas, showing the Moshi app improved children’s sleep, enhancing duration and timing and reducing night wakings. She highlighted a 22-minute increase in sleep, crucial for mood and focus and emphasised its role in addressing sleep health disparities, especially in diverse populations.
[1] Scientific Evidence Shows Moshi App Helps Kids Sleep Better, NYU (2020)
[2] Editorial Perspective: Perils and promise for child and adolescent sleep and associated psychopathology during the COVID‐19 pandemic (May 2020)
