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Sleep Disturbances in Chinese Children with Epilepsy: Associations with Behavioral Problems and Quality of Life

Fen Zhao1, Xiaoning Sun2, Yingyan Wang1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Nature and Science of Sleep
|July 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances are common in Chinese children with epilepsy, leading to increased behavioral issues and reduced quality of life (QOL). Addressing these sleep problems is crucial for improving overall well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Epilepsy in children can significantly impact their daily functioning and overall health.
  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in pediatric populations, but their specific impact on children with epilepsy requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between sleep disturbances and behavioral problems.
  • To assess the impact of sleep disturbances on the quality of life (QOL) in Chinese children with epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 167 children with epilepsy (aged 3-12 years).
  • Caregivers completed validated questionnaires: Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™).

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of sleep disturbances (73.7%) was observed in epileptic children.
  • Children with sleep disturbances exhibited more behavioral problems and lower QOL.
  • Specific sleep issues like sleep anxiety and daytime sleepiness were linked to adverse behavioral and QOL outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in Chinese children with epilepsy and negatively affect behavior and QOL.
  • Interventions targeting sleep disturbances are essential for enhancing the holistic health of epileptic children.
  • The study underscores the need for multidimensional assessment and treatment of sleep issues in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
behavioral problemschildrenepilepsyquality of lifesleep disturbances

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