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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
An observational study of sleep in childhood post-neonatal encephalopathy
Zunera Zareen1,2,3,4, John Allen1,3, Lynne A Kelly1,2,5
1Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Children with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) experience significant sleep disorders and lower Quality of Life (QoL) compared to peers. Addressing sleep issues may improve QoL in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) can lead to long-term deficits in cognitive, motor, sensory, and behavioral functions.
- The impact of NE on Quality of Life (QoL) and sleep patterns in school-aged children remains an area requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) in school-aged children with a history of NE.
- To compare these outcomes with age-matched healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 children (45 post-NE, 55 controls), aged 4-6 years.
- Sleep was assessed using the Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire, and QoL was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.
Main Results:
- Children post-NE exhibited significantly higher pathological sleep scores (58%) compared to controls (p=0.001).
- Increased bedtime resistance (p=0.028) and sleep anxiety (p=0.01) were noted in the NE group.
- Children post-NE reported lower total QoL scores (p<0.01), including those with mild NE (p=0.003).
- A strong correlation was found between low QoL and high total sleep scores (Rho=0.339, p=0.014).
Conclusions:
- High rates of sleep disturbances are prevalent in school-aged children with NE, irrespective of severity.
- Interventions targeting sleep problems could potentially enhance the overall Quality of Life for children affected by NE.
Aim:
Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is associated with altered cognitive, motor, sensory abilities and behavioural outcomes. This case-control study aimed to assess whether Quality of Life (QoL) and sleep disorders are affected in older children following NE compared to age-matched controls.
Methods:
Children at school-age post-NE were recruited and compared to age-matched controls. Sleep and QoL were assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire.
Results:
One hundred children were recruited with an age range of 4-6 years, including children post-NE (n=45) and age-matched controls (n = 55). Significantly higher pathological sleep scores were evident in 58% of children post-NE compared to controls (43.8 vs 40.2; p = 0.001). Children post-NE had increased bedtime resistance (p = 0.028) and sleep anxiety (p = 0.01) compared to controls. Children in the post-NE group had lower total QoL scores versus controls (mean score 82.5 vs 95.8; p < 0.01). Children with mild NE also had lower total QoL scores than controls (90.0 vs 95.8, p = 0.003). There was a strong correlation between low QoL with high total sleep scores (Rho 0.339, p = 0.014).
Conclusion:
There were high rates of sleep issues in school-aged children with mild and moderate-severe NE. Consideration and management of sleep problems may improve QoL in childhood post-NE.
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