Parental perception of sleep behaviour and sleep disorders in children with VCFS and their siblings

Abstract

Background: Disrupted sleep in children may lead to multiple behavioural problems that affect the individual and the family. The aim of this study was to compare sleep behaviour and sleep disorders in children with VCFS with those of their siblings and to determine the severity and pattern of the sleep problems. Method: Parents completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) (Owens et al., 2000) for 31 children with VCFS (mean age 10 years). This instrument has good psychometric properties and validity. It includes items relating to a number of key sleep domains grouped conceptually into eight subscales reflecting: (1) Bedtime Resistance; (2) Sleep Onset Delay; (3) Sleep Duration; (4) Sleep Anxiety; (5) Night Wakings; (6) Parasomnias; (7) Sleep Disordered Breathing; (8) Daytime Sleepiness. Total Sleep Disturbance Score includes all items of the eight subscales. Higher scores are indicative of more disturbed sleep. Results: The severity of sleep problems in the VCFS group was reported by parents as being significantly higher than in the sibling group (mean score 42.97 and 36.55, respectively; p < 0.001). Values for five of eight sleep subscales including bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, night waking, parasomnias and daytime sleepiness were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the VCFS group. Conclusion: Parents report that sleep problems are significantly more severe in children with VCFS compared to their siblings, and that the pattern appears diverse. Sleep problems in children with VCFS require further research and clinical attention.