Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 17, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
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

6.2K

Sleep problems in children and adolescents with epilepsy: Associations with psychiatric comorbidity

Berit Hjelde Hansen1, Kristin Å Alfstad2, Betty van Roy3

  • 1Division of Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Psychiatric comorbidity significantly impacts sleep problems in children and adolescents with epilepsy. Addressing these mental health conditions may improve sleep quality and overall well-being in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in pediatric epilepsy, affecting seizure control, daily function, and quality of life.
  • Understanding the factors contributing to sleep issues is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between psychiatric comorbidity and sleep problems in children and adolescents with epilepsy.
  • To differentiate between parent-reported and self-reported sleep issues in relation to mental health conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 94 children and adolescents (10-19 years) with epilepsy was assessed.
  • Sleep problems were evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Sleep Self-Report (SSR).
  • Psychiatric diagnoses were determined using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime Version (Kiddie-SADS-PL).

Main Results:

  • Children and adolescents with epilepsy reported high levels of sleep problems compared to population norms.
  • A significant association was found between psychiatric disorders and elevated scores on both CSHQ and SSR.
  • These associations persisted after adjusting for epilepsy-specific variables, except for parent-reported parasomnias.

Conclusions:

  • Psychiatric comorbidity is a significant factor contributing to sleep problems in pediatric epilepsy.
  • Approximately one-third of the variance in reported sleep problems can be attributed to psychiatric comorbidity.
  • Targeting psychiatric conditions may be a key strategy to improve sleep in children with epilepsy.

Keywords:
CSHQChildrenEpilepsyPsychiatrySSRSleep problems

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

1.6K
Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

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...
722
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
1.6K
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents01:17

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
782
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,...
521
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.3K
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.
719