Children's Sleep Habits Research Articles

Effects of Jin's three-needles therapy combined with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep disorders and EEG in children with spastic cerebral palsy

To investigate the effects of Jin's three-needles therapy combined with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep disorders and EEG activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). By using stratified randomization method, 100 children of spastic CP with sleep disorders were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group, with 50 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with medication, comprehensive rehabilitation training, and low-frequency rTMS, while the patients in the observation group were treated with Jin's three-needles therapy in addition to the interventions given to the control group. Acupoints selected included temporal three needles, brain three needles, intelligence three needles, four spirits needles, and bilateral Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Shenmai (BL 62), and Zhaohai (KI 6). Treatment was given once daily, five times a week, for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) scores, modified Ashworth grade, Peabody developmental motor scales-2 (PDMS-2) score, and relative power values of δ, θ, β1, and β2 frequency bands in EEG were observed before and after treatment in both groups. Treatment safety was also evaluated. Compared before treatment, PSQI and CSHQ scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), with lower scores in the observation group than the control group (P<0.05). The modified Ashworth grade showed improvement (P<0.05), with better results in the observation group (P<0.05). PDMS-2 scores were increased in all dimensions (P<0.05), with higher scores in the observation group (P<0.05). Relative power values of δ and θ frequency bands in EEG were decreased (P<0.05), with lower values in the observation group (P<0.05), while relative power values of β1 and β2 frequency bands were increased (P<0.05), with higher values in the observation group (P<0.05). Children in both groups did not occurred obvious adverse reactions. Jin's three-needles therapy combined with low-frequency rTMS can effectively improve sleep disorders, spasticity and motor function, regulate EEG activity in children with spastic CP and sleep disorder, and have good safety.

Are the Sleep–Wake Cycle and Sleep Duration Ethnically Determined? A Comparison of Tibetan and Japanese Children’s Sleep

Background: Several environmental factors affect sleep. We investigated the sleep and sleep-related habits of preschool children living in Tibet and conducted an international comparison with those in Japan. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study using the Chinese version of the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P-C) and compared the results with previous data on Japanese children. Results: The sleep status of 3113 children aged 3–6 years old in Qinghai province was evaluated. The average wake time and bedtime of the Tibetan children were 7:20 ± 0:31 and 21:16 ± 0:43, respectively. Their mean nocturnal sleep duration was 10.0 ± 0.7 h. In comparing 3-year-old children, the time for which they viewed TV in Tibet was shorter (65.5 ± 44.6 min) than that in Japan (149.7 ± 76.6 min), and the mother’s bedtime was earlier in Tibet (21:28 ± 2:14) than in Japan (23:20 ± 1:05). However, the bedtime and sleep duration of the Tibetan children (21:17 ± 0:37 and 10.0 ± 0.7 h) were fairly similar to those of the Japanese children (21:24 ± 1:57 and 9.8 ± 0.8 h). Conclusions: The late bedtime and short nocturnal sleep duration of Tibetan toddlers were the same as those of Japanese toddlers despite considerable differences in their lifestyle and environment.

Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity in Children 6 to 36 Months of Age

To describe the developmental pattern for physical activity (PA) in children 6-36 months of age and to identify factors that are longitudinally associated with PA as children transition from infancy to preschool age. The study employed a prospective, longitudinal design with baseline data collected when children were approximately 6 months of age. Mothers and infants (n = 124) were recruited through community and educational settings in South Carolina. Data were collected at 6-month intervals from 6 through 36 months. PA was measured via accelerometry. Mothers completed questionnaires that assessed independent variables, including parent characteristics, the child's sex, race, and ethnicity, birth/delivery type, motor milestones, sleep habits, dietary practices, childcare setting, and home environmental factors. Trained research staff administered anthropometric measures and assessed motor developmental status. Growth curve models described the age-related pattern for PA and evaluated relationships between independent variables and change in PA. PA increased by approximately 45% between 6 and 36 months of age and followed a curvilinear pattern, with most of the increase occurring between 6 and 24 months. The child's exposure to television/electronic media was negatively associated with change in PA, and the presence of older siblings in the home was positively associated with change in PA. As children develop from infancy to early childhood, their PA increases substantially, with most of the increase occurring by 24 months of age.

The Effects of Problematic Media Tools Use on Sleep Habits in Children: A Primary School-based Study

The Effects of Problematic Media Tools Use on Sleep Habits in Children: A Primary School-based Study

Sleep problems of children with Down syndrome in northern China.

Limited research has looked at the present-day sleep problems among Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS). This study aimed to investigate the situation of the sleep problems of school-aged children with DS in northern China. Parents of children with DS were a convenience sample recruited through the special education schools of Shandong Province in China. The Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied to assess the sleep problems of children with DS. Parents of 334 children with DS reported the average sleep duration was 9.7 (9.3-10.2) hours per night, and 62.0% of children with DS were reported sleeping less than 10h per night. Additionally, the total prevalence rate of sleep problems among children with DS was 69.8%. Sleep-disordered breathing (59.2%), sleep duration (33.8%) and bedtime resistance (32.0%) were the three most commonly reported sleeping problems. Younger children with DS (age 6-8years) had severe problems with bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety and parasomnias than older children with DS (age 9-12years) (all P<0.05). Sleep problems are prominent among children with DS in northern China and are worthy of attention. Caregivers and health professionals should raise awareness of sleep problems in this group of children and implement targeted interventions to improve their sleep quality as early as possible.

Association Between Sleep Hygiene Parameters and Sleep Habits in 5- to 10-Year-Old School-Age Children.

Insufficient sleep can lead to problems. We examined the sociodemographic characteristics, sleep habits, and association between sleep problems. Parents were requested to fill out a survey and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The mean age of 1226 students was 8.42 (5.0-10.0) years. A total of 50.7% were male students. In addition, 69.1% showed signs of sleep problems in the CSHQ. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, bed-sharing, owning cell phone, attending early education group, not using toilet before bedtime, television watching duration, being an only child, not doing physical activity, watching TV before bed on weekends, caffeinated beverage consumption, not reading a book before sleep, waking up at night, sleeping in lighted rooms, maternal education level, having 1 sibling, and not having tablet variables were statistically significant in causing sleep problems. Poor sleep habits and sleep hygiene problems are common in school-age children. Healthy sleep habits are essential to get adequate and quality sleep.

The Association between Dental Caries, Periodontal Status, and Sleep Patterns in Children.

Sleep quality has a significant impact on children's overall health and is associated with oral diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dental caries, periodontal status, and sleep patterns in 8-12-year-old children. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 children aged 8-12 years. The children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) was employed to evaluate sleep status. Another questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle habits. Dental caries status was evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) indices. Periodontal status was assessed through the plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and periodontal screening and recording (PSR). The association between oral health and sleep patterns was evaluated using Spearman's coefficient correlation, independent t-test, and the Chi-squared test. The ICDAS mean was significantly higher in children with improper sleep patterns (p = 0.032). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between DMFT and sleep patterns (p = 0.346). The GI, PD, and PSR mean were significantly higher in the inappropriate sleep pattern group. There was a significant relationship between children's sleep patterns and GI, PD, and PSR indices (p = 0.033, p = 0.020, p = 0.028, respectively). However, there was no significant association between PI and sleep patterns (p = 0.277). Children's sleep patterns were associated with dental caries and periodontal status. Adequate sleep is required to prevent oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. According to this study, it is recommended that children should be encouraged to get adequate sleep by their parents and dentists. Mehdipour A, Abbasi R, Keykha E, et al. The Association between Dental Caries, Periodontal Status, and Sleep Patterns in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):925-932.

Clinical tics and quality of life in children and adolescents with tic disorders: The mediating role of sleep

BackgroundSleep conditions are important in children and adolescents with tic disorders. Psychiatric symptoms and tic symptoms themselves can detrimentally affect the quality of life (QOL) in individuals with tic disorders. However, there is currently a lack of explicit research evidence elucidating the relationship between sleep and the QOL in individuals with tic disorders. MethodsWe assessed 150 children/adolescents aged 4–14 years old diagnosed with tic disorders. Participants' tic symptoms were evaluated using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), while their sleep conditions were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and quality of life was measured using the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome-Quality of Life Scale (GTS-QOL), all utilizing standardized measurement instruments. Detailed statistical descriptions, correlation analyses, and mediation analyses of the data were performed. ResultsWe observed significant correlations among tic symptoms, sleep, and quality of life. Then, we confirmed the mediating role of sleep in the relationship between tic symptoms and quality of life (β = .591, 95%CI: .252–1.007). We also found that among different sleep variables, particularly bedtime resistance (β = .088, 95 % CI: .003–.260), played a significant mediating role. ConclusionsSleep was found to be a significantly mediator between tic symptoms and quality of life across various domains, especially bedtime resistance played an important mediating role. This indicates that assessment and management of sleep conditions in children/adolescents with tic disorders are important. These findings provide potentially valuable insights into the clinical evaluation of children and adolescents with tic disorders and the potential improvement of their quality of life in the future.

Effects of Ball Combination Exercise Combined with cTBS Intervention on Sleep Problems in Children with Autism.

Sleep problems significantly affect the quality of life of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week ball combination exercise, continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) stimulation, and combined intervention on sleep problems in children with ASD. Forty-five ASD children were divided into three intervention groups (ball combination exercise(n = 12), cTBS stimulation(n = 10), combined (n = 12) and a control group (n = 11). The intervention groups underwent intervention, while the control group maintained daily activities. The effects were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) scale. The results revealed that after 12 weeks of intervention, three programs reduced sleep problems in children with ASD. The post-test scores of the cTBS group (p = 0.002) and the combined group (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than the baseline scores on the CSHQ scale. The exercise group (p = 0.002) and the combined group (p < 0.001) showed significant improvement in sleep anxiety, while there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of the three interventions for sleep-onset delay. The combined group outperformed the single intervention groups in the CSHQ score and sleep anxiety sub-dimensions. The combined intervention group showed slightly superior performance in sleep onset latency, however, there was no significant difference. Three interventions alleviated sleep issues in ASD children, with the combined method proving more effective. This study validates non-pharmacologic and combined approaches for ASD sleep problems. Future research should delve deeper into the mechanisms of these interventions in ASD children's sleep improvement.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of a telehealth-delivered brief ‘Sleeping Sound Autism’ intervention for autistic children

BackgroundAccess to behavioural sleep intervention is beneficial for autistic children, yet many families face barriers to access associated with location and time. Preliminary evidence supports telehealth-delivered sleep intervention. However, no studies have evaluated brief telehealth sleep intervention. To address this, we evaluated telehealth delivery of the brief behavioural Sleeping Sound Autism intervention, using a two-armed, parallel-group, non-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) design (trial registration: ANZCTR12620001276943). MethodSixty-one families of autistic children without intellectual disability (5–12 years, 46% female) with caregiver-reported moderate–severe behavioural sleep problems participated Australia-wide, randomised to an intervention (n = 30) or treatment as usual control group (n = 31). Intervention group participants were invited to attend two video-conference telehealth sessions and one follow-up phone call with a trained clinician. Survey data was collected from caregivers at baseline and three- and six-months post-randomisation, to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Ten intervention group caregivers participated in end-of-study semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences. ResultsForty-nine caregivers completed surveys. At baseline, 87% felt positive and 84% felt confident about participating via telehealth, and 75% believed the program would improve child sleep. At three-months, intervention group caregivers (n = 24) reported the usefulness (100%) of and preference for (71%) telehealth, and 95.8% would recommend this sleep program to other families. A significant group by time difference was observed in child sleep (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) with large effect sizes (d = 0.87–1.05), emotion and behaviour (Developmental Behavior Checklist 2) with moderate effect sizes (d = 0.40–0.57), and caregiver mental health (Kessler 10) with small to moderate effect sizes (d = 0.60–0.28), favouring the intervention group (n = 23). There were no significant group differences in child (Child Health Utility instrument) or caregiver (Assessment of Quality of Life) quality of life. However, there were individual differences in the clinical significance of improved child sleep. Qualitative data showed that whilst telehealth was convenient for caregivers, without attenuating the benefits of most key intervention features, not all children were able to engage effectively with the clinician via telehealth. ConclusionsThis first pilot RCT of a brief telehealth behavioural sleep intervention for primary-school-aged autistic children suggests that telehealth delivery is acceptable, feasible and likely efficacious in improving sleep in the short-term. Providing families with ongoing choice of mode of delivery (telehealth/in-person) and examining the person-environment fit of telehealth for autistic children is important.

Within-child associations between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation over 6 months among preschool-aged (3- to 5-year-old) children

ObjectiveWe leveraged an observational, repeated-measures study to examine the within-child associations between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation, controlling for between-child effects.MethodsChildren aged 3–5 years and one parent each were recruited from the community in northern New England between 2019 and 2022. Parents completed online surveys at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months post-baseline. Child sleep quality was measured with the validated Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire modified for preschoolers; higher scores indicate worse sleep quality (range 32–96). Child emotional self-regulation was measured with the validated Child Social Behavior Questionnaire; higher scores indicate better emotional self-regulation (range 1–7). Adjusted mixed-effects linear regression was used to model the associations between nighttime sleep quality (exposure) and emotional self-regulation (outcome) measured at each of the four study time points while disaggregating the between- and within-child effects.ResultsChildren (n = 91) were largely white, non-Hispanic (88.7%), and from a higher social-economic status. Sleep quality scores averaged 38.9 (SD: 6.6) at baseline; 23.1% of children had scores &amp;gt;41, which is considered evidence of significant sleep problems. Emotional self-regulation scores averaged 4.2 (SD: 1.0). There was a significant within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation. Specifically, a decrease in sleep quality at any one time point, relative to each child's mean sleep quality, related to worse emotional self-regulation [standardized beta, βs = −0.31; 95% CI (0.53, −0.09)]; the between-child effect was not significant. Results were consistent when limited to children with complete data at all study visits (n = 78).ConclusionsThe findings support a causal, within-child association between sleep quality and emotional self-regulation in preschool-aged children, with effects evident over 6 months.

Sleep habits of preschool children after the COVID-19 lockdown in a municipality in Paraíba, Brazil

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes in routines, use of time, behaviors, social relationships and concerns that can compromise children’s sleep, and studies on the subject are essential. Objective: to evaluate the sleep habits of preschool children after the COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil.Methods: this is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of live births to assess growth and development up to 1,000 days of age. For this study, data were collected from children at 4 years of age related to biological profile, health status, maternal care, screen time and physical activity, and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean scores of the children’s sleep habits (bedtime routine, rhythmicity and affective separation) were analyzed according to the children’s characteristics using the Student’s t-test. Results: sleep routine was the most impaired sleep habit, with lower averages in cases of hospitalization (p = 0.047), mother’s difficulty in caring for the child (p = 0.003) and great concern about COVID-19 during the pandemic (p = 0.003); followed by rhythmicity, which was also worse in the previous situations. In addition, children with more than 60 minutes of recreational screen time (p = 0.002) and without a mask-wearing routine during the pandemic (p = 0.003) had lower average bedtime routines. Health problems at birth (p = 0.001), hospitalization (p = 0.000), special health needs (p = 0.025) and mother’s difficulty in providing care (p = 0.037) negatively interfered with affective separation. Conclusion:children with health problems, excessive screen time and concern about COVID-19 during the pandemic, as well as the difficulty of maternal care, influenced children’s sleep habits.

Sleep problems and duration in school-aged children at different levels of giftedness

ObjectivesOptimal sleep is crucial for developing and maintaining gifted children's cognitive abilities. However, only a few studies have explored the sleep profiles of gifted children and overlooked their internal variations. This study aimed to investigate subjective and object sleep profiles in school-aged gifted children with different levels of giftedness. MethodsThis study included 80 school-aged children (50 % male) aged 6–11 years. Giftedness was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Subjective and objective sleep were evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Actiwatch 2. ResultsThe sample was divided into three groups based on their full scale intelligence quotient (IQ): 16 typically developing children (IQ < 130), 38 moderately gifted children (IQ: 130–145), and 26 highly gifted children (IQ > 145). The highly gifted children had the mildest sleep problems, particularly in sleep duration and daytime sleepiness. Moderately gifted children had the shortest subjective average sleep duration, while the three groups had no significant differences in Actiwatch-measured sleep variables. Furthermore, CSHQ total and daytime sleepiness subscale scores were negatively associated with the full scale IQ in gifted children after controlling for confounders including emotional and behavioral problems. ConclusionsChildren with higher levels of giftedness experience fewer subjective sleep problems but have similar objective sleep parameters. It is imperative to implement tailored sleep strategies for fostering intellectual development and nurturing young talents.

The Effect of Sleep Habits on Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Sleep disturbance has been studied in adult patients with early and end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited publications on the pediatric patient population. This paper evaluated the association between sleep disturbances and quality of life (QoL) inpediatricpatients with CKD. The study included 22 patients and 22 healthy controls from the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic.All participants completed the Turkish Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (HRQoLQ) and the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire(CSHQ). Patients diagnosed with CKD were compared in terms of HRQoLQ and CSHQ scores within themselves as kidney replacement therapy (KRT) recipients and non-recipients and with the control group. The mean HRQoLQ total score of the patients was 89.0 ± 12.4 and the mean CSHQ total score was 46.7 ± 5.6; there was no correlation between the total scores (p=0.599). CSHQ total and subgroup scores were similar in patients with and without KRT. The CSHQ total and subgroup median scores were not different in the patient and control groups. According to the HRQoL scale, the total QoL score and the physical and emotional well-being subscale scores were lower in patients receiving KRT than in those not receiving KRT. Sleep problems and HRQoL should not be underestimated in the pediatric CKD population, especially in patients receiving KRT. Large-scale studies with long-term outcomes are needed to understand better and improve QoL.

The relationship between parental anxiety, fear of Covid‐19, partner involvement in children's care and sleep quality during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Italy

AbstractDuring the Covid‐19 pandemic new stressors were added to the usual challenges parents face, changing habits and reduced physical activity, all factors that negatively affect sleep quality in adults and children. This study examines (1) possible changes in the sleep‐wake patterns of parents and children before and after the March–May 2020 lockdown and during the new restrictions imposed by the Italian government in March 2021; (2) possible associations between children and parents' sleep quality reported by parents and intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A total of 264 Italian parents with children aged 1–6 years (M = 40 months, SD = 18.18) completed self‐report questionnaires. Children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased. Positive associations between children's negative affectivity and insomnia symptoms emerged, as well as between generalized parental anxiety and parental insomnia symptoms and between parental fear of Covid‐19 and sleep‐related habits not in line with paediatric recommendations. Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good sleep habits. Results identified risks and protective factors that could impact Italian parents' and children's sleep during the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, raising awareness among families, education practitioners, healthcare providers and the general public.Highlights Italian children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased. During the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, higher levels of children's temperamental negative affectivity were associated with higher levels of parental and children's insomnia, higher levels of parental anxiety, and the presence of children's sleep‐related habits not in line with pediatric recommendations. Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good and healthy children's sleep habits.

Telehealth-delivered behavioral sleep interventions for Autistic children: An evaluation of an enhanced stepped-care approach

BackgroundSleep problems are common among Autistic children and can have adverse effects on their development, well-being and quality of life. Telehealth offers a cost-effective and accessible model of delivering evidence-based sleep support. This study used a single-case design to evaluate the efficacy of telehealth-delivered behavioral sleep intervention (TDBSI), with intervention phases designed based according to a stepped-care approach. MethodFourteen Autistic children (3–17 years) and their parents participated in a 12-week program consisting of three sequential intervention phases: 1) self-directed online parent education supplemented with individualized intervention tip sheets, 2) group parent coaching via video conferencing, and 3) individualized parent coaching via video conferencing. The appropriateness of parent strategy selection and implementation fidelity was rated throughout. Sleep problem severity (SPS) scores are reported for each child as a measure of effect across intervention phases. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and CSHQ-Autism are reported as measures of change from baseline to post-intervention. ResultsOnline parent education and tip sheets facilitated early success in parent strategy selection and implementation fidelity. SPS scores demonstrated large and statistically significant improvements in child sleep following the self-directed phase. Parent implementation fidelity and child sleep outcomes were further improved with group and individualized coaching. Post-intervention, the CSHQ and CSHQ-Autism revealed large and statistically significant improvements across subscales and participants compared to baseline. ConclusionsOnline parent education supplemented with individualized tip sheets demonstrates potential for addressing sleep problems in Autistic children. Therapist-led group and individualized parent coaching via videoconferencing show promise as higher intensity support for parents who do not achieve satisfactory results initially.

Parental Knowledge and Practices of Sleep Hygiene Among Children in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sleep hygiene is crucial for child development, influencing physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Parental knowledge and practices significantly influence children's sleep habits, yet gaps in understanding persist, impacting sleep quality and overall health outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, rapid societal changes and modern lifestyles pose unique challenges to maintaining healthy sleep habits among children. This study aims to assess parental knowledge and management of sleep hygiene, providing insights for targeted interventions tailored to Saudi cultural contexts. This cross-sectional study assessed parental knowledge and management of sleep hygiene among children in Saudi Arabia. Participants (N=729) were recruited from pediatric clinics and online forums, comprising parents with at least one child aged 0-18 years who completed surveys in Arabic or English. A comprehensive survey collected demographic data, parental sleep hygiene knowledge, practices, and concerns. Data were gathered between January and March 2024 via online and clinic-based distribution and analyzed using SPSS version 25 for descriptive statistics. The survey was completed by 729 participants, predominantly aged 25-44 years (70.4%), holding predominantly bachelor's degrees (34.7%), and employed full-time (49.7%). The majority reported having 2-3 children (54.9%). Findings indicated that 69.1% (504 participants) correctly identified school-aged children's sleep needs, and 71.0% (518 participants) recognized the importance of limiting electronic device use before bedtime. Sleep management practices revealed that 81.3% (592 participants) of parents adhered to bedtime routines, and 65.6% (478 participants) managed electronic device use appropriately. Bedtimes typically ranged from 7 to 9 PM for 90.5% (658 participants) of children, with wake-up times clustered between 6 and 8 AM for 75.6% (551 participants). Parental concerns showed reliance on online resources (60.4%) and pediatricians (54.7%) for sleep information, with 73.9% (539 participants) expressing interest in further education on sleep hygiene. This study highlights parental awareness of sleep hygiene practices in Saudi Arabia but underscores gaps in knowledge regarding caffeine effects and optimal napping practices. Tailored educational interventions are essential to enhance parental understanding and promote healthier sleep habits, thereby optimizing child well-being in the region.

Sleep disturbance associations between parents and children with overweight and obesity.

This cross-sectional study examined sleep disturbance associations between parents and their school-age children with overweight and obesity. A 7-day wrist-worn actigraph recording was performed on 246 children aged 6-9 years with overweight and obesity recruited from 10 public elementary schools in Taipei, Taiwan. Children's sleep disturbance was assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Parental subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, with parental depressive symptoms measured using the Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. General linear models were used to examine sleep disturbance associations within parent-child dyads. The results showed that 208 (84.6%) children had a clinically significant sleep disturbance score, and 123 (50%) parents had poor sleep quality. Higher children's sleep disturbance scores significantly predicted poorer parental sleep quality (b = 0.11, p < 0.001). Poorer parental sleep quality was associated with more severe sleep disturbances in children (b = 0.46, p < 0.001). This association was independent of children's actigraphic sleep (all p > 0.05) and was not attenuated by adjustment for parental depressive symptoms (b = 0.14, p < 0.001). Findings from our study suggest that sleep disturbances occur in both parents and their school-age children with overweight and obesity, with a significant bidirectional association between the two. Nurses and healthcare professionals should proactively assess and screen for sleep disturbances in parent-child dyads of children with overweight and obesity. Future studies should develop family-based sleep interventions and evaluate their effects on the sleep, health, and well-being of children with overweight and obesity and their parents.

The “supercompensation” effect of children’s lockdown during COVID-19: based on the analysis of changes in physical activity, sleep, and psychology

ObjectiveTo investigate the “supercompensation” effect of preschoolers during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown by comparing the changes in physical activity (PA), psychological, and sleep indicators before and after the lockdown.MethodsA total of 127 children (aged 3–6 years) were recruited. Before and after the lockdown, the children’s PA levels were measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+, and their psychological and sleep indicators were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), respectively.ResultsRegarding PA, the children’s total physical activity, low-intensity physical activity, and medium-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were higher after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with significant differences in MVPA (p < 0.05). Regarding psychology, the children’s SDQ and multidimensional scores were better after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with a significant difference in SDQ scores (p < 0.05). Regarding sleep, the children’s CSHQ scores were better after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with a highly significant difference in CSHQ scores (p < 0.01).ConclusionAfter lockdown, children’s PA, psychological, and sleep effects were “supercompensated.” In particular, the PA of preschoolers before, during, and after the lockdown may show a “baseline-inhibition-supercompensation” process.

The Association Between Sleep Problems and Attentional Network Functions in Patients with Self-Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.

To investigate sleep problems in children with self-limited epilepsy with central temporal spiking (SeLECTS) and to assess the relationship between sleep problems and attention network dysfunction. 107 children 6-14 years of age with SeLECTS and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. The sleep status of these participants was evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), while attentional network function was assessed with the attention network function test (ANT). Together, these analyses revealed that children with SeLECTS exhibited higher total CSHQ scores and sleep disorder incidence relative to healthy controls (P< 0.001). Children with SeLECTS had higher scores in delayed sleep onset, sleep duration, night awakenings, parasomnias, daytime sleepiness and sleep anxiety (P<0.01). Total CSHQ scores were negatively correlated with average ANT correct rates (ρ= -0.253, P<0.01), while they were positively correlated with total reaction time (ρ=0.367, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with the efficiency of the alerting and executive control networks (ρ=-0.344 P<0.01; ρ=-0.418 P<0.01). Children with SeLECTS face a higher risk of experiencing sleep disorders relative to age-matched healthy children, while also demonstrating that the magnitude of the impairment of attentional network function in these children is positively correlated with sleep disorder severity. Thus, the prognosis and quality of life of children with SeLECTS can be improved by interventions addressing sleep disorders.