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Comparison of sleep problems between term and preterm born preschool children

Ferit Durankus1, Nukhet Aladag Ciftdemir1, Ulfet Vatansever Ozbek1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey.

Sleep Medicine
|October 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Preterm-born preschoolers experience more sleep problems, including higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea. These sleep issues are linked to prematurity and require further investigation and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are prevalent across all age groups and can become chronic if untreated in childhood.
  • Identifying early sleep problems is crucial for preventing long-term health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems in preterm-born versus term-born preschool-aged children.
  • To investigate potential associations between prematurity and childhood sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study comparing 137 preterm-born and 145 term-born children (ages 4-6).
  • Utilized the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to assess sleep problems.
  • Compared prenatal, natal, demographic, and clinical characteristics between groups.

Main Results:

  • Preterm children showed significantly higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms.
  • 70.8% of preterm children and 60.7% of term-born children exhibited sleep disorders based on CSHQ scores.
  • Higher total CSHQ scores were observed in the preterm group, indicating more sleep problems.

Conclusions:

  • A significant percentage of preschool-aged children born preterm experience sleep problems.
  • Prematurity is associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders, even with varied causes.
  • Clinical attention should focus on GER and OSA symptoms in preterm infants, with preventative measures like discouraging maternal smoking recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
PrematurePreschool childrenSleepSleep habits

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