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Parent reported sleep problems in preschool children with sickle cell anemia and controls in East London
Michelle Downes1,2, Michelle de Haan2, Fenella J Kirkham2
1School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) experience more sleep problems, including frequent snoring, compared to their peers. These sleep issues may impact cognitive function in young children with this chronic condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Poor sleep and snoring can negatively impact cognitive development in children.
- Children with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep problems in preschoolers with sickle cell anemia (SCA).
- To compare sleep issues in children with SCA to matched controls and the general population.
Main Methods:
- Parental sleep questionnaires were administered to three groups of preschoolers: those with SCA (n=22), matched controls (n=24), and typically developing children (n=142).
- Data on sleep problems and snoring frequency were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Preschoolers with SCA reported significantly more sleep problems than both matched controls and the general population.
- Snoring occurred at least 1-2 nights per week in 79% of children with SCA, compared to 25% of matched controls and 33% of the general population.
Conclusions:
- Young children with SCA exhibit a higher prevalence of sleep problems and snoring.
- Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is recommended to address sleep disturbances in children with SCA at risk for cognitive dysfunction.
Abstract:
Snoring and poor sleep may affect cognition, particularly in young children with chronic conditions. Parents of London preschoolers with sickle cell anemia (SCA; n = 22), matched controls (n = 24), and unselected typically developing (n = 142) preschoolers completed sleep questionnaires. Preschoolers with SCA had significantly more sleep problems when compared to matched controls and the larger population. Snoring occurred at least one to two nights a week for 79% of the SCA group. This is compared with 25% of matched controls and 33% of larger population. Randomized controlled trials to improve sleep in young children with SCA already at-risk for cognitive dysfunction should be considered.
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