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Subjective daytime sleepiness in schoolchildren
O Saarenpää-Heikkilä1, P Laippala, M Koivikko
1Medical School, University of Tampere, PO Box 607, SF 33101, Tampere, Finland.
Family Practice
|April 12, 2000
Summary
Subjective daytime sleepiness (SDS) in schoolchildren often persists, linked to irregular sleep and parental sleep issues. New cases of SDS can emerge, particularly in high-achieving students, highlighting the impact of academic stress.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Subjective daytime sleepiness (SDS) is a common concern in schoolchildren.
- Understanding the long-term trajectory and predictors of SDS is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in SDS occurrence in schoolchildren over a 2-year period.
- To identify predictors for the persistence and new onset of SDS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 107 schoolchildren with SDS and 107 without SDS (aged 12-20) completed questionnaires.
- Data collected included sleep habits, disorders, daytime sleepiness, academic progress, and family background.
- Statistical analysis employed Pearson's chi-square test.
Main Results:
- Of those initially with SDS, 54 remained sleepy after 2 years.
- 28% of schoolchildren initially without SDS developed it.
- Persistent SDS was associated with older age, irregular sleep, night waking, and paternal sleep difficulties.
- New onset SDS was linked to high academic performance.
Conclusions:
- Delayed sleep phase and sleep maintenance issues contribute to persistent SDS.
- Academic stress may also be a significant factor in the development of daytime sleepiness in students.