Co-sleeping in school-aged children with a motor disability: a comparative population-based study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurorehabilitation
• Sleep Medicine
• Child Development

Background:

• Co-sleeping (sharing a bed) is a common practice, but its prevalence and influencing factors in children with motor disabilities are not well understood.
• Understanding co-sleeping patterns is crucial for addressing potential impacts on child well-being and family dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of co-sleeping in school-aged children with motor disabilities compared to the general population.
• To identify factors associated with co-sleeping in this specific population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing questionnaires distributed to parents of children (4-18 years) with motor disabilities and a general school-aged population.
• Assessed demographic characteristics, co-sleeping habits, and sleep disturbances using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC).

Main Results:

• Weekly co-sleeping was significantly more prevalent in children with motor disabilities (11.8%) than in the general population (7.9%).
• Parental reports indicated special nighttime care needs (e.g., for epilepsy) as a primary reason for co-sleeping in two-thirds of cases.
• Associated factors in the motor disability group included age, housing crowding, severe visual impairment, and pathological sleep.

Conclusions:

• Co-sleeping is a frequent occurrence among school-aged children with motor disabilities.
• Personal, medical, and caregiving factors significantly influence co-sleeping arrangements.
• Healthcare professionals should proactively inquire about and discuss sleeping arrangements with families of children with motor disabilities.