Sleep disturbances in preschool age children with cerebral palsy: a questionnaire study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function in children.
• Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in various pediatric populations.
• Understanding sleep patterns in children with CP is crucial for holistic care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in preschool children with CP using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC).
• To investigate associations between sleep problems and motor, cognitive, and behavioral issues in children with CP.
• To compare sleep disorder prevalence in children with CP against age- and gender-matched typically developing children.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 100 preschool children (3-5 years) with CP using SDSC, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL).
• A control group of 100 typically developing children was assessed using the SDSC.
• Multivariate analysis was employed to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• 13% of children with CP exhibited abnormal total sleep scores; 35% had abnormal scores on at least one SDSC factor.
• SDSC total score significantly correlated with pathological internalizing scores (CBCL) and active epilepsy.
• Children with CP reported higher median scores on SDSC total, parasomnias, and sleep initiation/maintenance difficulties compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Sleep disorders are significantly more prevalent in preschool children with CP than in their healthy counterparts.
• Epilepsy and behavioral problems are associated with sleep disturbances in children with CP.
• Targeted sleep assessments and interventions are warranted for preschool children with CP.