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Characterizing Sleep Differences in Children With and Without Sensory Sensitivities.
Amy G Hartman1, Sarah McKendry1, Adriane Soehner2
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|July 11, 2022
Summary
Children with sensory sensitivities experience more sleep difficulties, including anxiety and bedtime resistance. Understanding sensory processing patterns is key to addressing sleep problems in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sensory processing differences influence daily functioning and occupational participation.
- Sleep is a critical occupation for child development and overall health.
- Sensory sensitivities may negatively impact children's sleep quality and patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sleep patterns in children with and without sensory sensitivities.
- To examine the relationship between sensory processing patterns and sleep in children.
- To investigate how sensory sensitivities affect sleep behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 22 children (ages 6-10) with sensory sensitivities (SS) and 33 without (NSS).
- Administered validated questionnaires: Sensory Profile-2, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and Sleep Self-Report (SSR).
- Analyzed parent- and child-reported data on sleep behaviors and sensory processing.
Main Results:
- Children with SS reported significantly more sleep behaviors than those without SS, per parents and self-reports.
- Higher frequencies of sleep anxiety, bedtime resistance, and sleep onset delay were observed in children with SS.
- Sensory processing patterns, particularly sensitive and avoiding, correlated with sleep behaviors in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Children with sensory sensitivities exhibit greater sleep disturbances compared to their peers.
- Sensory processing patterns are significant contributors to sleep problems in children.
- Routine care for children with sensory sensitivities should include addressing sleep concerns.
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