Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
06:23
A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
The sleep patterns and problems of clinically anxious children
Jennifer L Hudson1, Michael Gradisar, Amanda Gamble
1Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. jhudson@psy.mq.edu.au
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|February 24, 2009
Summary
Children with anxiety disorders experience less sleep on school nights compared to their peers. This sleep deficit, though seemingly small, may significantly impact daytime functioning and warrants further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Childhood sleep problems are linked to cognitive, academic, and emotional issues, including anxiety and depression.
- Anxiety disorders in children can manifest with sleep disturbances, affecting daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subjective sleep patterns in children with anxiety disorders.
- To compare sleep on school nights versus weekend nights in anxious and non-anxious children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an online sleep diary for 37 children with anxiety disorders and 26 non-clinical controls (aged 7-12).
- Tracked sleep patterns across school and weekend nights.
Main Results:
- Anxious children reported later bedtimes and significantly less sleep on school nights (p=0.006).
- No significant differences in sleep onset latency, awakenings, or daytime sleepiness were found.
- Anxious children showed improved sleep efficiency on weekends compared to weeknights.
Conclusions:
- Children with anxiety disorders exhibit distinct sleep patterns compared to non-anxious peers.
- A consistent 30-minute sleep deficit on school nights may have significant cumulative effects on daytime performance.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of sleep deficits in anxious children.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Nightmares often...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:27Insomnia
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...