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Associations between disturbed sleep and behavioural difficulties in 635 children aged six to eight years: a study

H Smedje1, J E Broman, J Hetta

  • 1Child Psychiatric Clinic, Gävle County Hospital, SE-801 87 Gävle, Sweden.

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|April 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems in children are linked to behavior issues. Specific sleep disturbances, like night terrors or difficulty sleeping, correlate with distinct behavioral and emotional challenges in children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood sleep disturbances are common.
  • Behavioral problems in children can impact development and well-being.
  • The relationship between specific sleep issues and behavioral dimensions requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between sleep habits and behavior in children aged six to eight years.
  • To identify specific links between sleep disturbances and various behavioral and emotional dimensions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized parental responses to a sleep habits questionnaire.
  • Employed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for behavioral screening.
  • Analyzed data from 635 children aged six to eight years.

Main Results:

  • Global sleep problems were reported in 4.9% of children, associated with behavior problems in 36% of cases.
  • Hyperactivity linked to tossing/turning and sleepwalking; conduct problems to bedtime resistance.
  • Emotional symptoms associated with night terrors, difficulty sleeping, and daytime somnolence; peer problems with shorter sleep time.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep and behavior problems are significantly associated in children.
  • Specific sleep disturbances correlate with particular behavioral and emotional dimensions.
  • Understanding these associations can inform targeted interventions for children's well-being.

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