Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Improving Sleeping Habits among Children Suffering from Sleep Disorders

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Background: Non-pharmacological interventions improve sleeping habits and it prevents many adverse health consequences which include altered cognitive function and child mood. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on improving sleeping habits among children suffering from sleep disorders. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted in Out-Patient Clinics of Psychiatric Center and Pediatric Hospital affiliated to Ain-Shams University. Sample: A purposive sample was used to conduct this study. The total number of the study sample was 75 children with a confirmed diagnosis of sleeping disorders. Tools: Three tools were used in this study for data collection, 1) A structured interview questionnaire to assess children's demographic characteristics and children's knowledge regarding non-pharmacological interventions, 2) Children’s sleeping habits questionnaire (CSHQ) and 3) An observational checklist (pre/post-tests) to evaluate practices of non-pharmacological interventions. Results: There was a lack of children’s knowledge about non-pharmacological intervention, the mean±SD of 5.6±1.2, which increased in post - intervention with a statistically significant difference (P=<0.001). Moreover, there was a lack of children’s practice toward non-pharmacological intervention, with mean±SD of 4.78±3.69 which increased in post -intervention. And children reported improved sleep habits (Children’s Sleeping Habits Questionnaire: 16.27 ± 4.987 versus 11.88 ± 4.420 p=0.018. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the non-pharmacological interventions (sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive therapy, sleep hygiene, and relaxation training) had an evident effect on improving sleeping habits and their reported practices among Children Suffering from Sleeping Disorders. Recommendations: The study recommended that non-formal classes should be to teach children, parents, and teachers about improving sleeping habits through optimal use of the non-pharmacological intervention.