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Sleep Problems in School Aged Children: A Common Process across Internalising and Externalising Behaviours?

Danielle M Bayes1, Ben Bullock2

  • 1Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.

Clocks & Sleep
|October 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Childhood sleep problems are linked to emotional distress, aggression, and hyperactivity. Early screening for sleep issues in children with behavioral concerns is recommended for better well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in childhood, affecting cognitive, psychological, and physical health.
  • Understanding the link between sleep disturbances and behavioral issues is crucial for child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sleep problems and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in school-aged children.
  • To explore the role of sleep problems in emotional distress, aggression, and hyperactivity.

Main Methods:

  • Study involved 114 school-aged children (5-12 years) in Melbourne, Australia.
  • Parent-reported data collected using the Sleep Disorder Inventory for Students and Conners Behavior Rating Scale.
  • Hierarchical regression analysis controlled for socioeconomic status and age.

Main Results:

  • Moderate associations were found between sleep problems and emotional distress.
  • Sleep problems were also moderately associated with aggressive behavior and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
  • These associations were significant after controlling for confounding factors.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for sleep problems in children with behavioral issues may be a valuable clinical practice.
  • Findings support transdiagnostic theory, suggesting sleep problems are a common factor in both internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
  • Addressing sleep issues could be key in managing childhood behavioral problems.

Keywords:
childrenexternalising behaviourinternalising behavioursleep problems

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