A review of the relationship between social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) and the sleep disturbance

Abstract

The review aims to reveal the relationship between social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) and the sleep disturbance. Literature analysis were used to explore the relationship between SEBD and the sleep disturbance. Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD) can be defined as behaviours or emotions that deviate so much from the norm that they interfere with the child’s own growth and development and/or the lives of others. There was about 10–20% of school aged children in UK experience a significant level of SEBD, whilst in China, an investigation indicated that 459 of 2558 (17.9%) children were sorted out that had behavioral problems, and the first four behavioral problems of boys were aggressive (7.8%), depressed (5.9%), delinquent (5.4%) and withdrawal (2.6%), while those of girls were schizoidia (6.3%), withdrawal (5.4%), depressed (4.8%) and aggressive (3.5%). Evidence shows that social, emotional and behavioural difficulties were highly associated with poor sleep patterns in children and adolescents. In a 635 children (aged of 6–8 years) investigation, results illustrated that 15% of children with behaviour problems had global reports of sleep problems. Moreover, there were associations between specific sleeping features and different aspects of behaviour and emotions. Specifically, hyperactivity was associated with tossing and turning during sleep, and with sleep walking; conduct problems were related to bedtime resistance; and emotional symptoms were associated with night terrors, difficulty falling asleep and daytime somnolence. Peer problems were associated with somewhat shorter total sleep time. Sleep disturbance can adversely affect family functioning, parental relationship and child development, school achievement. A study referring to the association between sleep problems and bipolar disorder (BPD) with onset in children and adolescents highlighted that sleep problems may be an early marker for BPD, a distinguishing feature of BPD, and a contributor to relapse. Moreover, sleep problems are associated with a range of serious adverse consequences, including difficulty in regulating affect in the daytime and difficulties with cognitive functions, such as memory, learning, attention, and concentration in addition of possible contributing to weight gain, comorbid substance use, and impulsivity. Interventions should be done in the SEBDs with sleep disturbance in children and adolescents.