Sleep disorders in children with celiac disease: a prospective study

Celiac disease (CD), an immune-mediated enteropathy, has a clinical spectrum that is remarkably wide and includes neuropsychiatric manifestations. While studies of adults have shown sleep disturbances, there is limited data in children. Our objectives were to assess the association between sleep disturbances and CD in children, and the effect of a gluten-free diet.

Parents of children 3-12 years old referred for endoscopy completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Children with CD were compared with healthy controls and children with abdominal pain but no definitive findings on investigation. Parents of children with CD and abdominal pain were contacted after 6 months for follow-up.

We enrolled 101 patients, mean age 6.5 (2.8), 51% female, 38 with CD, 18 abdominal pain, and 45 healthy. Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children scores were 37.4 (8.7), 41.3 (11.3), and 45.4 (13.7) in healthy controls, CD, and abdominal pain, respectively (P = .024). There was a significant difference in the disorders of arousal domain (P = .044). There were no significant differences on the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A trend toward improvement in Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children scores was seen in children with CD presenting with abdominal pain after 6 months on a gluten-free diet (P = .07).

In this first prospective study of sleep disturbances in children with CD, we show high rates of disturbed sleep compared with healthy children. Sleep disturbances did not improve on a gluten-free diet and may be driven by abdominal pain.

Reiter J, Abuelhija H, Slae M, et al. Sleep disorders in children with celiac disease: a prospective study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(3):591-594.