Sleep disturbances in children with attention deficit

Abstract

Introduction The aim of the work was to study sleep disturbances associated with attention deficit hyperactivity, in a trial to clarify more the pathogenesis of this disturbances to allow better management and good quality of life. Materials and methods Twenty-four children with ADHD diagnosed according to the DSMIV, and Conner’s rating scale for ADHD to assess severity and diagnosis, were included in this study. They were all psychotropic drugs naive, with absence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, as confirmed by appropriate rating scales. They were subjected to IQ testing, sleep habit questionnaire, digital electroencephalography and polysomnogram study. They were compared to 20 healthy children. Results There was a significant decrease in the sleep efficiency, number of the stage shifts, number of REM periods, REM stage percentage and total sleep time. There was significant increase in the number of awakening. 41.7% of the patients had abnormal digital EEG, 75% had bed time resistance and increased movement during sleep. 58.6% of the patients had short sleep onset latency. Conclusion From the results of the present study ADHD is certainly associated with sleep disturbances, this might be a clue for a better management and hence a better quality of life.