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Sleep disturbance and daytime symptoms in wheezing school-aged children

Kristine N Desager1, Vera Nelen, Joost J J Weyler

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. kristine.desager@uza.be

Journal of Sleep Research
|March 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Wheezing in school-aged children is linked to poor sleep quality, including nocturnal awakenings and restless sleep. These children also experience more daytime sleepiness and tiredness, impacting their overall well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom in children.
  • Sleep disturbances can negatively impact a child's health and development.
  • The relationship between wheezing and sleep quality in school-aged children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between wheezing and disturbed sleep in school-aged children.
  • To assess the link between wheezing and increased daytime symptoms.
  • To identify risk factors for sleep disturbances in children with respiratory symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A random sample of 1234 children aged 6-14 years from Antwerp participated.
  • Data collected using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and a sleep questionnaire.
  • Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, adjusted for potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Children who wheezed reported more disturbed sleep (nocturnal awakenings, restless sleep) and daytime sleepiness/tiredness.
  • Wheezing was positively associated with difficulties falling asleep (OR=2.0), restless sleep (OR=5.0), daytime sleepiness (OR=3.8), and daytime tiredness (OR=5.1).
  • Chronic cough, rhinitis, snoring, and eczema were associated with disturbed sleep and/or daytime tiredness.

Conclusions:

  • Wheezing in school-aged children is significantly associated with decreased sleep quality and increased daytime fatigue.
  • Upper airway symptoms, such as chronic cough and rhinitis, are linked to sleep disturbances in this population.
  • These findings highlight the importance of addressing respiratory symptoms to improve sleep and daytime functioning in children.

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