Sleep Characteristics in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Amparo Díaz-Román1, Eva Hita-Yáñez1, Gualberto Buela-Casal1

  • 1Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, CIMCYC, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Insights

This study found children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) spend more time in stage 1 sleep compared to controls, suggesting a potential sleep physiology link. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • However, conclusive evidence for a distinct sleep physiology inherent to ADHD remains unclear.
  • Existing studies lack sufficient data to establish a definitive relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether a specific sleep physiology exists in children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To compare sleep parameters between children with ADHD and neurotypical control groups.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO) and manual searches from 1987 to March 2014.
  • Eleven studies meeting inclusion and quality criteria were selected from 8,678 retrieved articles.
  • Two meta-analyses were performed using polysomnographic and actigraphic data from eight studies, employing a fixed-effects model and standardized mean difference (SMD).

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant difference was observed in the polysomnography meta-analysis.
  • Children with ADHD exhibited increased time spent in stage 1 sleep compared to control children (pooled SMD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.08-0.55, p = 0.009).
  • No significant differences were found in the actigraphy-based meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

  • This review identified limited sleep differences between children with ADHD and controls.
  • Further research is recommended, considering variables like assessment criteria and ADHD subtypes.
  • Reliable conclusions for clinical practice and research necessitate addressing these factors in future studies.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-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....
1.3K
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
736
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance 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,...
526
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares 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...
767
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.3K
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
834