Association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and sleep in preschoolers
Rita Gomes1, Bebiana Sousa1, Diana Gonzaga2
1Servicio de Pediatría, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Albino Aroso, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep problems are common in preschoolers. This study found correlations between ADHD symptoms and shorter sleep duration, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Sleep problems are prevalent in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Previous research has not specifically characterized sleep habits in Portuguese preschoolers or linked them to ADHD.
- This study addresses the gap by examining ADHD symptoms and sleep patterns in this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in preschool-aged children.
- To investigate the association between ADHD symptoms and various sleep habits in this population.
- To identify potential correlations between ADHD and sleep disturbances in young children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 381 preschoolers in Porto, Portugal.
- Caregivers completed questionnaires on sociodemographics, screen time, outdoor activities, ADHD symptoms (Conners' Scale), and sleep habits (CSHQ-PT).
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their association with sleep parameters.
Main Results:
- 13.10% of preschoolers exhibited high ADHD symptom scores, with a slightly higher prevalence in girls.
- 45.70% of children displayed sleep disturbances based on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT) cut-off score.
- Significant associations were found between high ADHD symptom scores and lower maternal education, shorter sleep duration, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing.
Conclusions:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders are common in preschoolers in Porto.
- The study suggests clinical correlations between ADHD symptoms and specific sleep issues like shorter sleep duration and sleep-disordered breathing.
- Further research is crucial to understand these complex interactions and inform prevention and management strategies for at-risk children.
Introduction:
Sleep problems are frequent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some authors have tried to characterize paediatric sleep habits in Portugal, but none has focused on preschool-age children nor attempted to establish their association with ADHD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in preschool-age children and to study their association with sleep habits.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study. We distributed questionnaires to a random sample of caregivers of children enrolled in early childhood education centres in Porto. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, television watching and outdoor activities. We assessed ADHD symptoms and sleep habits with the Portuguese versions of the Conners' Parents Rating Scale, Revised and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT), respectively.
Results:
The study included 381 preschoolers (50.90% male). We found high scores for ADHD symptoms in 13.10%, with a higher prevalence in girls (14.40% vs. 11.85%; P = 0.276). In the CSHQ-PT, 45.70% of participants had a mean total score greater than 48, which is the cut-off point applied in the screening of sleep disturbances in the Portuguese population. There was a significant association between high scores for ADHD symptoms and a lower maternal education level (P < 0.001), a shorter sleep duration (P = 0.049), and higher scores on parasomnias (P = 0.019) and sleep disordered breathing (P = 0.002) in CSHQ-PT subscales.
Conclusions:
ADHD and sleep disorders are common in preschoolers, in Porto, and this study suggests some clinical correlations between them. Since these interactions are complex and far from being elucidated, further studies are paramount to provide guidance for prevention and managing strategies in younger children at risk for ADHD.
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