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Sleep problems and daytime problem behaviours in children with intellectual disability

R Didden1, H Korzilius, B van Aperlo

  • 1University of Nijmegen and De Lathmer, Department of Special Education, Wilp, the Netherlands. R.Didden@ped.kun.nl

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|October 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems affect over 16% of children with intellectual disability (ID). These issues are linked to more severe ID, epilepsy, and behavioral challenges, impacting daily functioning.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with intellectual disability (ID).
  • Understanding these sleep issues is crucial for improving quality of life for affected children and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of severe sleep problems in children with intellectual disability (ID).
  • To investigate the relationship between severe sleep problems and child/family variables in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study surveyed 286 children with mild to profound ID living at home in the Netherlands.
  • Data on sleep behaviors, family factors, and child demographics were collected via questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • 16.1% of children experienced at least one severe sleep problem (settling, night waking, early waking).
  • Severe sleep problems correlated with higher ID severity, medication use, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, younger age, daytime drowsiness, and increased problem behaviors like aggression and hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

  • Findings highlight the significant impact of sleep problems on children with ID.
  • Results provide a basis for targeted assessment and treatment strategies for sleep disturbances in this vulnerable group.
Abstract

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