Abstract
BackgroundSleep habits are an important component of a child’s health and it is affected by parent–child relationship. Also, child’s diet and nutrition appear to be an important factor affecting sleep health. Few studies have addressed the effect of parental emotional disturbance that can leave on children’s sleep. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in pre- and school-aged children and evaluate its relation with parental mental health and child’s nutrition and activity.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, which enrolled 402 Lebanese parents from all over Lebanon. The questionnaire was distributed online using the snowball technique. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to assess pediatric sleep behaviors and the Family Nutrition and physical activity questionnaire was used to assess parental behaviors that might predispose children for obesity.ResultsA total of 76 (19%) children had sleep disorders (PSQ scores of 8 or more). The multivariable analysis showed that higher paternal depression (Beta = 0.079, p = 0.010), maternal depression (Beta = 0.089, p = 0.001) and higher anxiety in the father (Beta = 0.064, p = 0.021) were significantly associated with higher PSQ scores (worse sleep) in the child. Higher Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool scores in the child (Beta = -0.161, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with lower PSQ scores (better sleep).ConclusionPaternal anxiety and depression, as well as maternal depression, were factors associated with children’s sleeping disorders. Future studies are needed to assess parental influence on child’s development.
Highlights
Sleep habits are an important component of a child’s health and it is affected by parent–child relationship
A study conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2019 showed that 21% of children were at high risk of sleep disordered breathing [10]
Our study highlighted the fact that higher family nutrition and physical activity was associated with less sleep disorders in children
Summary
Sleep habits are an important component of a child’s health and it is affected by parent–child relationship. Child’s diet and nutrition appear to be an important factor affecting sleep health. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in pre- and school-aged children and evaluate its relation with parental mental health and child’s nutrition and activity. Sleep disorders affect children and adolescents frequently. They are defined as disorders linked to the amount, duration or timing of sleep [1]. In 2016, a study conducted in the Middle East showed that 37% of parents reported that their child had a sleep problem [9]. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2019 showed that 21% of children were at high risk of sleep disordered breathing [10]. The prevalence of severe sleep disorder among Lebanese children was found to be 5.6% in 2014 [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
