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Sleep patterns and sleep disturbances among Chinese school-aged children: prevalence and associated factors

Guanghai Wang1, Guangxing Xu, Zhijun Liu

  • 1School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China. wang-guanghai@163.com

Sleep Medicine
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances and short sleep duration are common in Chinese school children. Factors like gender, school grade, co-sleeping, and behavioral issues are linked to these sleep problems.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Sleep patterns and disturbances are crucial for school-aged children's development and well-being.
  • Understanding sleep issues in diverse populations like Chinese children is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize sleep patterns and disturbances in Chinese school-aged children.
  • To determine the prevalence of short sleep duration and sleep disturbances.
  • To examine associations between socio-demographic factors, emotional/behavioral problems, and sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • A representative sample of 912 children (aged 6-14) from Shenzhen, China, was surveyed.
  • Parents completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Main Results:

  • 69.3% of children experienced global sleep disturbances; bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, short sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness were most common.
  • Short sleep duration (<9 hours) affected 23.8% of children.
  • Sleep disturbances correlated significantly with emotional and behavioral problems; gender, school grade, co-sleeping, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and hyperactivity were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Short sleep duration and sleep disturbances are prevalent in Chinese school-aged children.
  • Sleep disturbances are significantly associated with various demographic and psychosocial factors.
  • Findings highlight the need for addressing sleep health in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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