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Published on: September 26, 2019
Sleep Patterns and Development of Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Emine Gulsah Torun1, Aysegul Ertugrul2, Doga Ceren Tekguc3
1Department of Pediatrics, Health Sciences University Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are at higher risk for sleep problems, especially boys with moderate-severe AD. Sleep issues and multiple siblings are linked to developmental delays in young children with AD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition common in early childhood.
- Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as a significant issue in children with AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns in infants and toddlers diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
- To identify risk factors associated with sleep problems in early childhood AD.
- To assess the relationship between sleep and developmental milestones in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 80 children aged 0-36 months with AD.
- Sleep patterns were assessed using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire.
- Child development was evaluated using the International Guide for Monitoring Child Development.
Main Results:
- 50% of children with AD experienced sleep problems.
- Risk factors for sleep problems included male sex, being within 3 months post-diagnosis, and moderate-to-severe AD.
- Developmental delay was observed in 12.5% of patients and was associated with sleep problems and having multiple siblings.
Conclusions:
- Male infants with moderate-to-severe AD diagnosed within the first three months are at elevated risk for sleep disturbances.
- Children with AD, particularly those with multiple siblings and sleep problems, require close monitoring for developmental delays.
Introduction:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that begins in early childhood. Sleep problems have increased in children with AD. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep patterns and the development of children with AD at an early age.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a total of 80 children aged 0-36 months with AD. Patients were evaluated by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and International Guide for Monitoring Child Development.
Results:
The median age (IQR) of the patients was 6 (4.25-9) months, 63.7% of them were male and 50% of them had sleep problems. Male sex (OR: 3.78, p = 0.024, 95% CI, 0.083-0.837), patients with AD who were in the first 3 months after diagnosis (OR: 3.56; 95% CI, 1.220-10.43, p = 0.020), and moderate-severe AD (OR: 5.09; 95% CI, 1.649-15.748, p = 0.005) were determined as risk factors for sleep problems. In all, 12.5% of the patients needed support for one or more developmental areas (gross motor skills, expressive language and communication, receptive language, fine motor skills, relationship, and play). Developmental delay was higher in patients with sleep problems (p = 0.037). Multiple siblings (OR: 14.381; 95% CI, 1.557-132.871, p = 0.019) and the presence of sleep problems (OR: 8.011; 95% CI, 1.764-36.387, p = 0.024) were found to be risk factors for developmental delay.
Conclusion:
Boys with moderate-severe AD within the first 3 months of diagnosis were at increased risk for sleep problems. Children with AD who have multiple siblings and sleep problems should be evaluated for developmental delay and monitored closely.
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