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Sleep disorders in preschoolers: prevalence and comorbidity with psychiatric symptoms

Silje Steinsbekk1, Turid S Berg-Nielsen, Lars Wichstrøm

  • 1*Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; †Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; ‡Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; §NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, Trondheim, Norway.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|November 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Primary insomnia is common in preschoolers, affecting 16.6% of children. Sleep disorders in young children are linked to anxiety and depression symptoms, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Psychiatric Epidemiology

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are prevalent in preschool-aged children.
  • The relationship between sleep disorders and psychiatric symptoms in this age group requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of diagnosable sleep disorders in preschoolers.
  • To examine the association between specific sleep disorders and psychiatric symptoms in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A large cohort of 4-year-old children in Norway was recruited.
  • A structured diagnostic interview (Preschool-Age Psychiatric Assessment) was administered to parents of a subsample.
  • Data from 995 parents were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of diagnosable sleep disorders was 19.2%.
  • Primary insomnia was the most common disorder (16.6%), followed by nightmare disorder (2.2%).
  • Primary insomnia was associated with depression and anxiety symptoms, while nightmare disorder was linked to generalized anxiety disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Primary insomnia is a common sleep disorder in preschoolers.
  • Sleep disorders in young children are frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions, particularly anxiety disorders.
  • Findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep problems in early childhood to mitigate psychiatric comorbidities.
Abstract

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