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Sleep Disturbances in Children with Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disorders

Maria Silvia Saccani1,2, Luciana Ursumando1, Silvia Di Vara1

  • 1Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|June 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) experience more sleep difficulties than those with only one condition. Addressing sleep issues is crucial for managing comorbid ADHD and SLD.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, causing significant distress to children and families.
  • Comorbidity, particularly the co-occurrence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), can influence sleep patterns.
  • Understanding sleep issues in children with comorbid ADHD and SLD is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare sleep difficulties in children with ADHD, SLD, and comorbid ADHD and SLD.
  • To determine if sleep disturbances are more pronounced in children with the combined conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) to assess sleep problems.
  • Compared sleep difficulties across three groups: children with ADHD (n=74), children with SLD (n=78), and children with comorbid ADHD and SLD (n=76).

Main Results:

  • Children with comorbid ADHD and SLD exhibited significantly more pronounced sleep difficulties compared to children with ADHD or SLD alone.
  • These findings were independent of age and the presence of behavioral or emotional problems.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are a critical concern for children with ADHD, SLD, and especially those with both conditions.
  • Comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions for sleep problems are vital for children with comorbid ADHD and SLD.

Keywords:
ADHDdyslexiainsomnianeurodevelopmental disorders

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