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[Prevalence and stress factors of sleep disorders in children starting school]

Susanne Kraenz1, Leonie Fricke, Alfred Wiater

  • 1Klinik für Psychiatrie u. Psychotherapie des Kindes- u. Jugendalters der Universität, Robert-Koch-Strasse 10, 50931 Köln. susanne.kraenz@medizin.uni-koeln.de

Praxis Der Kinderpsychologie Und Kinderpsychiatrie
|March 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A study found that 15% of school-novices experience insomnia and 14% have nightmares. Establishing a consistent sleep-wake schedule significantly reduces sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Limited international research exists on sleep disturbances in preschool and school-aged children.
  • The Cologne Children's Sleep Study investigated sleep patterns in a representative sample of school-novices in 2002.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of insomnia and parasomnia in young children.
  • To explore the relationship between sleep problems and sleep hygiene, health factors, and behavioral issues.
  • To examine the correlation between disturbed sleep and environmental factors like light and noise.

Summary:

  • High prevalence of insomnia (15%) and nightmares (14%) reported by parents.
  • Sleepwalking, night terrors, and daytime sleepiness were less common.
  • Consistent sleep-wake schedules were associated with fewer sleep onset difficulties and less daytime sleepiness.
  • Disturbed sleep showed a 2-3 times elevated risk for hyperactivity and emotional problems.

Impact:

  • Highlights the need for diagnostic clarification of sleep disturbances in children.
  • Underscores the importance of intervention programs for children with behavioral difficulties and sleep impairments.
  • Provides valuable data for public health initiatives and clinical practice in pediatric sleep health.

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