Sleep duration, bedtime routines, and autonomy in preschool children attending a paediatric outpatient clinic in Valencia, Spain: An exploratory cross-sectional study

Background: Sleep in early childhood is a critical determinant of physical, neurological, and emotional development. However, many preschool-aged children do not achieve recommended sleep durations, often due to modifiable environmental and behavioural factors. This study aimed to explore the association between family routines, pre-sleep habits, sleep environment, and sleep quality in children aged 3 to 5 years. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using an ad hoc questionnaire administered to parents of children aged 3 to 5 years attending a paediatric outpatient clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Associations between categorical variables were analysed using Pearson’s chi-square test, likelihood ratio, odds ratios, and Somers’ D coefficients. For group comparisons, either a one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. Statistical significance was set at P