Assessing Children’s Sleep Health Beyond Sleep Duration under Grow Well SG

Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether, in evaluating Grow Well SG, the Government will assess children's sleep health beyond sleep duration, including sleep quality and regularity; and (b) how do these measures relate to longer-term health and developmental outcomes.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: As a population health programme, Grow Well SG focuses on encouraging adequate sleep, with evidence-based recommendations for various age groups. We do not track sleep quality or regularity as these dimensions are more complex and not suited as a measurement at the population level.

Adequate and regular sleep supports children's overall health and development, including their concentration, mood and readiness to learn. Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children establish these habits, particularly as their routines and needs evolve as they grow. The Government will continue to monitor and review research on longer-term health and developmental outcomes associated with children's sleep.