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Sleep problems, behavioural problems and respiratory health in children born extremely preterm: a parental
Kristine Marie Stangenes1,2, Mari Hysing3, Irene Bircow Elgen4,5
1Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Insights
Children born extremely preterm (EPT) with sleep problems experienced more behavioral and respiratory issues. These findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disturbances in EPT populations for improved health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Children born extremely preterm (EPT) are at higher risk for developmental and health issues.
- Sleep problems are common in EPT children and may impact their overall well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sleep problems and behavioral/respiratory health in EPT children.
- To compare health outcomes in EPT children with and without specific sleep issues.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, nationwide, questionnaire-based study in Norway.
- 11-year-old EPT children assessed for sleep problems (difficulty sleeping, snoring, daytime sleepiness, short sleep duration).
- Behavioral problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and respiratory symptoms (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- All four sleep problems were linked to higher parent-reported behavioral difficulties.
- Daytime sleepiness showed strong associations with wheezing and asthma medication use.
- Snoring was associated with exercise-induced wheezing and current asthma.
Conclusions:
- EPT children experiencing sleep problems exhibit increased behavioral and respiratory health problems.
- Sleep disturbances are a significant concern for the health of extremely preterm children.
Objective:
To explore whether children born extremely preterm (EPT) with different types of sleep problems had more behavioural and respiratory health problems than EPT children without sleep problems.
Design:
Prospective, nationwide, questionnaire-based study. At 11 years of age, parents reported on four current sleep problems: difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings, snoring, daytime sleepiness and not recommended sleep duration (<9 hours). Behavioural problems were assessed by parents and teachers with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents assessed respiratory symptoms with the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and described use of asthma medication.
Setting:
Norway.
Patients:
EPT children.
Main Outcome Measures:
Specified sleep problems, behavioural problems and respiratory health.
Results:
Data were obtained from 216 of 372 (58 %) of eligible children. All four specified sleep problems were associated with significantly higher parent-reported SDQ total-score (OR 1.1 for all), and except for not recommended sleep duration, also with higher teacher-reported SDQ total-score (OR 1.1 for all). Daytime sleepiness was strongly associated with wheezing last 12 months (OR 3.4), disturbed sleep due to wheezing (OR 3.9), wheeze during or after exercise (OR 2.9), use of inhaled corticosteroids or oral leukotriene modifiers (OR 3.4) and use of bronchodilators (OR 3.9). Snoring was associated with wheezing during or after exercise (OR 2.8) and current asthma (OR 4.2).
Conclusion:
EPT children with different types of sleep problems had more behavioural and respiratory health problems than EPT children without sleep problems.
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