Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire Research Articles

Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Habits in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in children's motor, mental, and cognitive development. Due to the significant prevalence of sleep problems in children with autism and the side effects of pharmacological therapy, complementary interventions should be considered. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep habits in children with autistic spectrum disorder. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 children with autistic spectrum disorder in Mashhad, Iran. The control group received routine care from the family. In the intervention group, in addition to the routine family care, a foot reflexology massage was performed for 15 min by parents for 30 nights before bedtime for children. The standard Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed 3 times in both groups. In the control group, the questionnaire was completed at the beginning of the study, on the 15th day, and on the 30th day after entering the study. In the intervention group, the questionnaire was completed before the intervention, on the 15th day after the intervention, and on the 30th day after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 by the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Among the children included in the study, 78.3% were male, and their mean age was 8.56 ± 2.4 years. The mean total score of children's sleep habits before the intervention was not significantly different between the control and intervention groups (P = 0.71). After the intervention, the mean total score of children's sleep habits was significantly different between the control and intervention groups (P = 0.001). The foot reflexology massage, with a score reduction of 8.13 ± 3.95 points, had a significant impact on the score of sleep habits in the intervention group (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Foot reflexology massage improves the quality of sleep in children with autism and can be recommended as a safe intervention for parents of children with autism.

Associations between sleep problems and emotional/behavioural difficulties in healthy children and adolescents

ObjectiveThis study aimed to (1) characterise sleep disturbances and emotional/behavioural difficulties among healthy German children and adolescents aged 3 to 13 years, (2) examine the association between parent-reported sleep problems and emotional/behavioural difficulties, (3) point out possible relations between specific kinds of sleep disturbances and different behavioural difficulties.MethodsData were collected between 2011 and 2015 within the LIFE Child study in Germany. The sample included 1101 3- to 13-year-old children and adolescents. Information on sleep disturbances—assessed via the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), emotional/behavioural difficulties—assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and socioeconomic status was provided by participants’ parents. Multiple regressions were applied to analyse the associations between general and specific sleep disturbances (independent variables) and emotional/behavioural difficulties (dependent variables).ResultsThe total CSHQ score was positively associated with the total SDQ score and all SDQ subscales (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems). Most of the CSHQ subscales were related to SDQ subscale scores, except for a few non-significant relations with hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems. The CSHQ total score, daytime sleepiness, sleep duration and parasomnias showed the strongest associations with the SDQ total score.ConclusionThis study confirms an association between children’s and adolescents’ sleep habits and psychological health. We were able to demonstrate the association between sleep problems and emotional/behavioural difficulties in a large sample of healthy participants. In particular, we observed a significant relation between parasomnias and hyperactive/inattentive behaviour as well as a significant association between emotional problems and sleep problems, especially daytime sleepiness, sleep anxiety and parasomnias.

Shantala: The Touch to Improve the Quality of Life in Babies Attending a School in the Midwest of Santa Catarina

Introduction: Shantala is a technique that was created by an Indian mother, with the aim of massaging the baby. Your movements must be performed rhythmically and follow an order, becoming delicate and providing pleasure to the recipient. Many benefits are reported with Shantala, some of which include reducing intestinal colic, improving sleep quality and reducing stress and anxiety. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of applying the Shantala massage technique to a group of babies enrolled in a school in the Midwest of Santa Catarina. Methods: This study is characterized as experimental research of an exploratory and descriptive nature. The sample consisted of 7 babies aged 4 to 12 months, of both sexes. The assessment was applied through a questionnaire on the perception of babies' behaviors, answered by their guardians, and sleep quality was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), both were applied pre and post -treatment. Afterwards, patients underwent 10 Shantala sessions. Participants only received care after consent from their guardians and approval from the ethics and research committee. Results: The results demonstrated that the babies' eating habits improved when compared pre- (28.6%) and post-treatment (57.9%), being classified as very good and 42.9% as excellent. In relation to social behavior, only 14.3% were classified as excellent before massage applications, increasing to 57.1% post-treatment. No child showed any symptoms of intestinal colic, anxiety or stress after the applications, which were present pre-application. The quality of sleep also improved post-treatment, showing an improvement in this habit in relation to the time of going to bed and waking up, including during the night. Conclusion: The research demonstrated that the Shantala technique promoted the reduction of stress levels, anxiety, reduced symptoms of intestinal colic and improved the quality of sleep, eating habits and social interaction, which consecutively generates a better quality of life in children.

Efeitos tardios do uso de cafeína no sono de crianças nascidas prematuras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic use of caffeine for premature newborns is associated with changes in sleep habits and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood. Methods: This is a cross-sectional single-center study in which the caretakers of 87 children aged 5–10 years, born full-term or preterm, treated or not with caffeine in the neonatal period, answered questionnaires to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool [PosaST]) and to characterize the sleep habits (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ]) of their children. ANOVA and linear regression tests were performed to verify possible differences between the groups. Results: Children born prematurely who were treated with caffeine woke up significantly later on weekdays than those born at term (09h±00h58 and 07h43±1h15, respectively, p=0.022) and had longer total daily sleep time also compared to those born at term (10h24±1h08 and 09h29±1h08, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in overall PosaST and CSHQ scores. Conclusions: Caffeine use in the neonatal period did not impair sleep habits later in life and did not lead to increased obstructive sleep apnea scores in prematurely born children compared to those born at term.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Schema-Based Parenting and Mindful Parenting on Sleep Problems, Aggression, and Improvement of Social Interactions in Children with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of schema-based parenting and mindful parenting on sleep problems, aggression, and improvement of social interactions in children with mild autism spectrum disorder. Methods and Materials: The present study is applied in terms of its aim and quasi-experimental in terms of method, using a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a one-month follow-up period. The statistical population includes all children aged 7-12 years with mild autism spectrum disorder who were studying and receiving education in one autism center under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (Tabassum) and five autism centers under the supervision of the Welfare Organization (Ava, Armaghan Noor, Kavosh, Navid-e-Zendegi, and Takapo) in Mashhad. The groupings were conducted through random assignment. Out of these, 40 children (20 boys and 20 girls) and 40 mothers were selected as the research sample using purposive sampling. They were then randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups (each with 13 members) and one control group (with 14 members). Data collection was conducted using the Autism Social Skills Profile by Belini and Hopf (2007), the CARS questionnaire by Schopler (1988), the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire by Owens, Spirito, and colleagues (2000). After collecting the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS-20 software. Findings: The results indicated differences in the effectiveness of schema-based parenting and mindful parenting on aggression in children with mild autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, there were differences in the effectiveness of schema-based parenting and mindful parenting on the improvement of social interactions in children with mild autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, differences were observed in the effectiveness of schema-based parenting and mindful parenting on sleep problems in children with mild autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that both schema-based and mindful parenting interventions significantly reduce aggression and sleep problems while enhancing social interactions in children with mild autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest the effectiveness of incorporating these approaches in parenting programs to improve behavioral and emotional outcomes in children.

Sleep habits and orofacial myofunctional self-assessment of children at risk for sleep breathing disorders.

To identify orofacial myofunctional complaints and sleep-disordered breathing and correlate them with sleep habits in childhood. The study included 71 parents/guardians of public school children aged 6 to 11 years. They answered a form with semi-structured medical history questions and the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening - interview, the Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool Questionnaire, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - all of them in their Portuguese/Brazilian versions in an online format. Statistical analyses used Spearman's correlation, setting the significance level at 5%. There were 29 female children (40.8%) and 42 male ones (59.2%), with a mean age of 8.52 years. The study found orofacial myofunctional complaints related to breathing functions (35.2%), chewing and swallowing (32.4%), and deleterious habits (33.8%). All children were at a low risk of sleep-disordered breathing. As for sleep habits, 23 children (32.39%) had a lower total score, whereas 48 children (67.61%) exceeded 41 points. There was a correlation between the risk of sleep-disordered breathing in children with complaints of orofacial myofunctional disorders and poor sleep quality/habits.

Жалобы на нарушения сна у детей 5-13 лет: соотношение оценок детей и родителей. Часть 2

<p>The prevalence of sleep difficulties in children aged 5–13 in the context of rare requests from parents for help to specialists allows us to raise the question of what features of children's sleep parents notice and which of them they consider as a problem. <strong>Aim.</strong> To identify the features of recognition by parents of sleep difficulties in children aged 5–13 years and their subjective qualification their children’s sleep as a problem. <strong>Methods.</strong> In 147 pairs of «parent–child 5–13 years old without diagnosed sleep disorders» (47 pairs with a child 5–6 years old, 49 with a child 7–9 years old, 51 with a child 10–13 years old), parents answered questions about the pattern of children's sleep habits and completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, while the children answered questions about the children's self–report about their sleep (Sleep Self–Report). <strong>Results.</strong> Despite the prevalence of various sleep difficulties in children aged 5–13 years, most of the symptoms, unless they are daily or extremely rare and culturally viewed as different from the norm, are rarely considered a problem by parents. The opinions of children and parents in relation to observable, externally verified behavioral manifestations were maximally coherent. The opinions of children and parents on aspects of sleep, which include not the manifestations themselves, but the assessment of their normativity, were not at all consistent with each other. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> The data point to both the importance of better informing parents about various aspects of children's sleep, and the relevance of clinicians' attention to those features of children's sleep that parents do not notice or are not considered a problem.</p>

Glymphatic dysfunction coincides with lower GABA levels and sleep disturbances in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is an inherited metabolic disorder of γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) catabolism. Cerebral waste clearance along glymphatic perivascular spaces depends on aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channels, the function of which was shown to be influenced by GABA. Sleep disturbances are associated independently with SSADHD and glymphatic dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether indices of the hyperGABAergic state characteristic of SSADHD coincide with glymphatic dysfunction and sleep disturbances and to explicate the modulatory effect that GABA may have on the glymphatic system. The study included 42 individuals (21 with SSADHD; 21 healthy controls) who underwent brain MRIs and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for assessment of glymphatic dysfunction and cortical GABA, plasma GABA measurements, and circadian clock gene expression. The SSADHD subjects responded to an additional Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Compared with the control group, SSADHD subjects did not differ in sex and age but had a higher severity of enlarged perivascular spaces in the centrum semiovale (p < 0.001), basal ganglia (p = 0.01), and midbrain (p = 0.001), as well as a higher MRS-derived GABA/NAA peak (p < 0.001). Within the SSADHD group, the severity of glymphatic dysfunction was specific for a lower MRS-derived GABA/NAA (p = 0.04) and lower plasma GABA (p = 0.004). Additionally, the degree of their glymphatic dysfunction correlated with the CSHQ-estimated sleep disturbances scores (R = 5.18, p = 0.03). In the control group, EPVS burden did not correlate with age or cerebral and plasma GABA values. The modulatory effect that GABA may exert on the glymphatic system has therapeutic implications for sleep-related disorders and neurodegenerative conditions associated with glymphatic dysfunction.

Sleep and its association with dental caries or myopia in first graders.

First grade is a transition from pre-school to school-age. The change in lifestyle behaviours such as sleep may have a physiological response, which contributes to the presence or absence of two highly incident diseases: dental caries or myopia. The aim of the study was to examine the association between sleep and myopia as well as sleep and dental caries in first graders. It is a cross-sectional study. This was a recruitment phase of an interventional study. A total of 338 children whose caregivers completed a Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Caregivers also provided information regarding myopia and caries status of children and their parents. Binary logistic regression was applied to analyse the potential risk factors. Dental caries and myopia rates were 45.9% and 9.5%, respectively. After adjusting for children's gender, children's age, fathers with caries and mothers with caries, the odds ratio for dental caries in children who slept less than 9 h when compared to those who slept for nine and more hours was 1.94. Mothers with caries were 3.37 times more likely to have children with caries than mothers without caries. However, sleep was not associated with myopia in first graders. Sleeping less than 9 h and maternal caries were risk factors of children developing dental caries. Future sleep and myopia studies can be conducted on higher graders who may present prolonged exposure and accumulations of myopic risk factors. Screening of children with insufficient sleep is needed for nurses to enable the early identification of high-risk groups for dental caries in school settings. Family nurses are encouraged to work with family members to implement tailored sleep interventions, in order to facilitate better sleep and oral health practices in both school and home settings. This study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: Redacted).

Sleep Disturbances and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Preschool-Aged Children

Sleep disturbances and mental health problems are highly comorbid and bidirectionally correlated across childhood. The association between the natural history of sleep disturbances and the transition of mental health problems has not been quantified. To examine the association between the natural history of sleep disturbances and resolved and incident emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBDs). This cohort study used data from the Shanghai Children's Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation-Preschool (SCHEDULE-P), a prospective and population-based longitudinal cohort study of children enrolled in preschools in Shanghai, China, from November 10 to 24, 2016. A total of 20 324 children aged 3 to 4 years were recruited from the junior class of 191 kindergartens, of whom 17 233 (84.8%) participated in the 2-year follow-up. A multilevel regression model was used to evaluate the association between the development of sleep disturbances and the occurrence of resolved and incident EBDs. The data analysis spanned from August 4, 2021, to October 31, 2023. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire; EBDs were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Occurrence of incident and resolved EBDs at the 2-year follow-up. The cohort included 17 182 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 3.73 (0.29) years at enrollment; 52.0% were boys. The prevalence of EBDs at school entry and graduation years was 27.8% and 18.7%, respectively, while the prevalence of sleep disturbances was 41.3% and 31.5%, respectively. Among those with EBDs at the entry year, 35.0% maintained stability in the graduation year, while sleep disturbances were stable in 50.0% of those with sleep disturbances. After controlling for confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for resolved EBDs was lower in the incident sleep disturbance (ISD) group (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.41-0.62]; P < .001) and stable sleep disturbance (SSD) group (OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.40-0.56]; P < .001) compared with the group with no sleep disturbances. The ORs for incident EBDs among the ISD group (OR, 2.58 [95% CI, 2.22-3.01]; P < .001) and SSD group (OR, 2.29, [95% CI, 1.98-2.64]; P < .001) were higher than among the group with no sleep disturbances. In this prospective cohort study, the natural history of sleep disturbances among preschool-aged children was associated with both resolved and incident EBDs. Routine screening and precise intervention for sleep disturbances may benefit the psychosocial well-being of this population.

Factors in Parenting Stress in Young Patients With Breast Cancer and Implications for Children’s Emotional Development

The number of patients with breast cancer who have children is substantial. However, the emotional burden of this disease and its implication for childhood development remain largely unknown. To investigate the clinical factors in parenting stress in mothers with breast cancer and the association of maternal depression and parenting stress with their children's emotional development. This cross-sectional study involved a survey of females with stage 0 to 3 breast cancer and was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. Participants were aged 20 to 45 years and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-Revised scale and basic questionnaires on demographic and clinical characteristics. Participants with children completed the Korean Parenting Stress Index Short Form (K-PSI-SF), Child Behavior Checklist, Junior Temperament and Character Inventory, and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Having children in patients with breast cancer. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between maternal depression and parenting stress. A total of 699 females (mean [SD] age, 39.6 [4.6] years) were included, of whom 499 had children (mean [SD] age of children, 8.0 [2.7] years). Depression was more common in patients with children (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% CI, 1.01-5.05) and patients who had gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.15-2.44). Disease duration was inversely associated with depression (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96). Cancer-related factors were not associated with the K-PSI-SF score. Having children aged 6 years or older (β = 3.09; 95% CI, 0.19-5.99); being the sole primary caregiver (β = -3.43; 95% CI, -5.87 to -0.99); and reporting certain temperament (eg, novelty seeking: β = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.71), emotional problems (eg, anxious/depressed: β = 8.09; 95% CI, 3.34-12.83), and sleeping pattern (eg, bedtime resistance: β = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.15-0.99) subscale scores in their children were associated with parenting stress. Depression and parenting stress were correlated (β = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45-0.66; P < .001). The emotional challenges encountered by children of mothers with breast cancer were not significantly different from reference values. This study found that in patients with breast cancer, child-related factors and depression were significantly associated with parenting stress, but breast cancer-related factors were not correlated. The findings suggest that mothers with breast cancer are susceptible to both depression and parenting stress and that tailored counseling and support are needed.

Sleep quality and depression in mothers of children with epilepsy and its relation to their children’s sleep

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbances in children with epilepsy (CWE) and maternal sleep quality and depression severity. MethodsA Cross-sectional study was conducted in pediatric sleep disturbances using questionnaires on mother-reported sleep of CWE [Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ)], maternal sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], and maternal depression status [Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)]. 114 dyads consisting of CWE and their mothers were included in this study. ResultsOver three-quarters (78.9 %) of mothers reported poor sleep quality (total PSQI score ≥ 5), and nearly a third (29.8 %) met clinical criteria for moderate or severe depression levels. The mothers' total PSQI scores were between 5.93 ± 2.44 (range: 2–16 points). The most affected PSQI subcomponents were sleep latency (AUC = 0.826p < 0.001) and daytime dysfunction (AUC = 0.800p < 0.001). The majority of children (88.6 %) were stated by their mothers to have sleep-related problems. The total CSHQ scores of the children were between 49.06 ± 9.20 (range: 33–86 points). The most affected CSHQ subcomponents were detected sleep anxiety (AUC = 0.856, p < 0.001), bedtime resistance (AUC = 0.818, p < 0.001) and daytime sleepiness (AUC = 0.807, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between maternal sleep quality and depression severity (rho = 0.842; p < 0.001). A statistically significant positive moderate correlation was detected between sleep problems in CWE and maternal sleep quality and depression severity (rho = 0.406; p < 0.001, rho = 0.399; p < 0.001, respectively). As a result of multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis, the presence of seizures during sleep and generalized epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography were associated risk factors with poor maternal sleep quality (OR:6.6, p = 0.014; OR:11.5, p = 0.018, respectively). A borderline insignificant relationship was observed between a less than 50 % decrease in seizure frequency and the poor maternal sleep quality (OR:20.59p = 0.059). Seizures during sleep was associated risk factor with children's sleep disturbances (OR:7.2, p = 0.02). ConclusionsSleep problems in CWE may lead to negative consequences such as sleep quality and/or depression in mothers. Interventions planned to correct sleep disturbances in mothers suggest that children's sleep problems should be optimally managed.

37 Clinical utility of the BEARS as a sensitive screener for sleep problems in ADHD.

Objective:Many children and adolescents do not achieve adequate sleep durations. The prevalence of sleep problems has been estimated at 7% for typically developing children (Corkum, Tannock, &amp; Moldofsky, 1998) and as high as 45% for representative samples of children, including participants with various diagnoses in proportion to what would be expected in the population (Sher-Fen Gau, 2006). For children with ADHD, the prevalence of sleep problems has been estimated at between 25-50% (Corkum, Tannock, &amp; Moldofsky, 1998). Given the important role that sleep plays in children with ADHD, a brief and effective screener is needed to aid clinicians in assessing for sleep problems, especially when the referral for a neuropsychological evaluation concerns ADHD or any other neurodevelopmental disorder for which presenting concerns involve symptoms that overlap with ADHD. While the developers of the BEARS have demonstrated its utility as a screening tool, there is currently no independent published research replicating this finding. The current study aimed to replicate the findings of the BEARS developers by demonstrating its utility as a sensitive screening tool for sleep problems. It was predicted that the BEARS would demonstrate high sensitivity in identifying children with sleep problems.Participants and Methods:Data from 54 school aged children (aged 6-147-13, Mage = 9.83) was analysed. Children were administered the BEARS, and caregivers completed the BEARS and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), as part of a larger study.Results:Binomial logistic regression model was statistically significant, x2(2) = 20.508, p &lt; .0005. The model explained 46.8% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance and correctly classified 70.8% of cases. Sensitivity was 78.6%, specificity was 60.0%, positive predictive value was 73.3%, and negative predictive value was 66.7%. Both predictor variables, parent reported BEARS (p = .001) and child-reported BEARS (p = .049), were significant. Children with higher BEARS parent report scores had 3.27 times higher odds, and those with higher self-report scores had 2.88 times higher odds, of exceeding the CSHQ cut-off than those with lower scores. ROC curve analysis revealed that the BEARS parent and self-report scores had excellent diagnostic utility (Hosmer et al., 2013) for accurately classifying children who exceeded the cut-off on the CSHQ from those who did not (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.849, SE = 0.054, 95% CI = .742 to .956, p &lt; .001).Conclusions:The results of the current study indicate that the BEARS has excellent diagnostic utility for accurately classifying sleep problems. Additionally, it is quick to administer making it a practical screening tool for clinicians to include as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

Unraveling the interplay: Exploring the relationship between children's obesity, sleep disorders, depressive symptoms, and age dynamics

&lt;b&gt;Objective: &lt;/b&gt;This study explores the relationships between sleep disorders, depressive symptoms, and obesity among children of different ages.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods: &lt;/b&gt;The data for this study were collected from 163 Turkish children aged 7 to 10 and 11 to 15 years (mean age=9.4, SD=1.9) who were attending well-child visits. Parents completed an online questionnaire on sociodemographic data, while children completed the Children Depression Inventory and The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;The regression model for the 7-10 years group included sleep resistance, sleep onset delay, nighttime awakenings, and daytime sleepiness, and explained 33.8% of the variance in Children Depression Inventory scores (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0.338, F=9.779, p&amp;lt;0.001). For the 11-15 age group, the regression model included obesity status, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores, sleep onset delay, sleep-related anxiety, and sleep-disordered breathing, and explained 80.3% of the variance in Children Depression Inventory scores (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0.803, F=28.489, p&amp;lt;0.001).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/b&gt;Overall, the results of this study emphasize the significance of addressing sleep disorders, obesity, and depressive symptoms in children, particularly in adolescents, to promote better mental health outcomes.

A Study of Sleep Quality and Quality of Life in Children with Atopic Dermatitis between 6 and 12 Years of Age

Abstract Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing dermatitis, affecting mainly children. It is associated with intense pruritus which can disrupt the sleep and quality of life (QOL), thereby impairing the neurocognitive development. An understanding of the link between severity of AD and sleep quality in children may help in better treatment of this condition. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to correlate severity of AD with sleep quality and QOL. Sixty-six children with AD were enrolled for the study. In addition to basic demographic details, all patients were analyzed for disease severity using SCORing AD (SCORAD) score. The QOL and sleep quality were evaluated using Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) questionnaire and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), respectively. Results: The mean age of the study group was 8.94 ± 1.94 years and mean body mass index was 19.97 ± 2.69 kg/m2. The median SCORAD score was 32 ± 50. Mean CSHQ score was 43.17 ± 7.15, and it showed a positive correlation with SCORAD score (R 2 = 0.655; P = 0.000). Similarly, median score of CDLQI was 14 ± 18, which also showed a positive correlation with SCORAD score (R 2 = 0.822; P = 0.000). All the domains of CDLQI questionnaire were affected by the disease. In the CSHQ questionnaire, all parameters were affected except parasomnias and sleep-disordered breathing. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant association between severity of AD with sleep quality and QOL. It highlights the need for interventions to diminish sleep problems and to improve QOL in children with AD.

The relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and sleep problems in school-aged children: A multicentric study

ObjectivesAlexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, psychiatric problems, and sleep problems among Egyptian school-aged children. MethodsA total of 564 Egyptian children, aged 6 to 14, were divided into two groups based on their total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire abbreviated score: group 1 (N = 300) with sleep problems and group 2 (N = 264) with non-sleep problems. Their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and subjectively assessed the children's emotions using the Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM) and the Clinical Evaluation of Emotional Regulation-9 (CEER-9). ResultsMales were more proportional in the sleep problems group than others. The sleep problem group was significantly younger and had a longer daily sleep duration than the non-sleep problem group. Alexithymia and emotion dysregulation had the highest mean in the sleep problem group. Furthermore, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, emotion difficulty, conduct, and prosocial problems were the most significant contributing factors and risk factors for sleep problems in children. ConclusionSleep problems in children were associated with younger male children with lengthy daily sleep duration and emotional, behavioural, and prosocial difficulties. Furthermore, alexithymia and emotion dysregulation are significant contributors and risk factors for sleep problems in school-aged children.

Anxiety-depression and sleep quality in students receiving online education at home during the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract&#x0D; Aim: In this study, we aimed to analyzed symptoms of anxiety and depression, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep habits in students during the Covid-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: Two hundred children who received online education at home during the COVID-19 pandemic were included in this study. The students were divided into three groups as primary school, middle school, and high school. The students completed questionnaire forms including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and Childhood Anxiety and Depression Scale (CADS)&#x0D; Results: The rates of CADS and ESS did not differ according to the groups (p&gt;0.05). The rates of anxiety disorder and daytime sleepiness according to CADS and ESS were mostly in the high school group. According to the CSHQ score, sleep quality disorder was observed with a higher rate in primary school students (p

The effect of sleep hygiene and physiotherapy on bruxism, sleep, and oral habits in children with sleep bruxism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sleep bruxism has been associated with temporomandibular dysfunction, pain, fatigue, and poor sleep quality. The aim of this study was to determine the gender and age distribution of sleep and oral habits of children with sleep bruxism and to examine the effect of a sleep hygiene and physiotherapy program. In this cross-sectional study, 82 children aged 6-13 years with sleep bruxism were initially screened between March 2020 and June 2021, from which 37 of them voluntarily attended an 8-week sleep hygiene and physiotherapy program. Evaluations were made using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and the Oral Habits Questionnaire (OHQ) at the beginning and at the end of the 8-week program. Statistically significant differences were determined between the 6-9 years and 10-13-year age groups in respect of the sleep habits subcategories of resistance to bedtime (p= 0.001), sleep anxiety (p= 0.043), parasomnia (p= 0.040), and sleep respiratory disorder (p= 0.041). Following the 8-week treatment program, a significant reduction was obtained in the VAS value (p< 0.05), CSHQ subcategories of resistance to bedtime (p= 0.001), sleep duration (p= 0.008), parasomnia (p= 0.000), and in the OHQ score (p= 0.000). There was no relationship between sleep bruxism and gender, but a relationship was found with age. The rate of bruxism was seen to decrease with an increase in age. It was determined that oral, sleep habits, and bruxism are closely related, and the rates at which bruxism is seen are affected by the oral habits. Sleep hygiene and physiotherapy have been effective in children with sleep bruxism.

Sleep problems in children and adolescents in an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service.

Sleep problems are common amongst children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this study was to investigate sleep problems in children and adolescents attending a specialist ADHD service. This was a cross-sectional online survey combined with a retrospective chart review, conducted in the ADHD Assessment, Diagnosis, Management, initiation, Research and Education (ADMiRE) service, the first public specialist ADHD service for young people in Ireland. Participants were caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD attending ADMiRE. Sleep was assessed using The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and ADHD symptoms were assessed using an abbreviated version of the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale (SNAP-IV). Details regarding patient demographics, co-morbidities and medication were collected from patient records. Eighty-four percent of young people scored above the clinical cut-off for a sleep disorder. The most frequently reported sleep problems were related to sleep onset and sleep duration, and 64% of respondents met the criteria for two or more sleep problems. ADHD severity was associated with greater sleep problems. Co-morbid physical, neurodevelopmental, and mental health disorders as well as stimulant use were not associated with greater sleep problems. Sleep problems are very common amongst children and adolescents with ADHD. This study has demonstrated an association between more sleep problems and ADHD severity. These findings highlight the need for both effective ADHD treatment to ensure optional sleep in young people as well as effective interventions for sleep problems to prevent worsening of ADHD symptoms.

Sleep, internalizing symptoms, and health-related quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a cross-sectional analysis of cohort data from three research programs in Canada

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to determine rates of sleep disturbances in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) within and across disorders and compared to typically developing (TD) children and to describe differences above and below the clinical cut-off for sleep disturbances. In addition, we explored the associations between demographic variables, severity of disorder, sleep disturbances, internalizing symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with NDDs.MethodWe conducted cross-sectional data analyses of an existing database with community-dwelling children with NDDs (n = 1438) and TD children (n = 140) aged 4–12 years. Parent-reported measures on sleep disturbances using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), internalizing symptoms using the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale, and HRQOL using the KINDL-R were assessed. Hierarchical linear regression examined the associations between demographic variables, severity of disorder, sleep disturbances, internalizing symptoms, and HRQOL in children with NDDs.ResultsChildren with NDDs (8.5 ± 2.1 years, 69.9% M) had significantly greater total sleep disturbance index (TSDI) than TD children [(8.6 ± 2.3 years, 60.0% M) (mean difference = 6.88 [95% CI 5.37, 8.40]; p &amp;lt; 0.001) (n = 838 NDDs (58.3%); n = 120 TD (86.7%)]. Children with severe NDDs reported significantly greater TSDI above the clinical cut-off (i.e., ≥41; CSHQ) than those with less severe NDDs (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Internalizing symptoms (β = −0.082 [95% CI −0.144, −0.019]; p = 0.011) and TSDI (β = −0.226 [95% CI −0.380, −0.073]; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with HRQOL in children with NDDs.ConclusionSurveillance and management of sleep and internalizing symptoms are needed to improve HRQOL in children with NDDs. Commonalities in sleep disturbances for children with NDDs support transdiagnostic interventions to treat sleep.