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Sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: prevalence and the effect on the child and

Valerie Sung1, Harriet Hiscock, Emma Sciberras

  • 1Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia 3052. valerie.sung@rch.org.au

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|April 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems are common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), significantly impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. Addressing these sleep issues may improve outcomes for children with ADHD and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Sleep problems are frequently reported in children with ADHD, but their full impact is not well understood.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for comprehensive ADHD care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of sleep problems in children with ADHD.
  • To examine the associations between child sleep problems and child quality of life (QOL), daily functioning, and school attendance.
  • To investigate the impact on caregiver mental health, work attendance, and family functioning.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
  • Participants included schoolchildren diagnosed with ADHD in Victoria, Australia.
  • Caregivers reported on child sleep problems, child QOL, daily functioning, school attendance, caregiver mental health, work attendance, and family functioning.

Main Results:

  • Child sleep problems were highly prevalent (mild: 28.5%; moderate/severe: 44.8%).
  • Moderate to severe sleep problems were linked to poorer child QOL, daily functioning, caregiver mental health, and family functioning.
  • Children with sleep problems were more likely to be late or absent from school, and caregivers were more likely to be late for work.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are common in children with ADHD and negatively affect child, caregiver, and family well-being.
  • The findings highlight the need for routine screening and management of sleep problems in pediatric ADHD care.
  • Further research should explore whether managing sleep issues can mitigate adverse outcomes in this population.
Abstract

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