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Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
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Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

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Sleep disturbance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: relationship with melatonin and behavior

Ana Luiza Decanini Miranda de Souza1,2, Célia Maria Giacheti1, Maria Clara Helena Do Couto1

  • 1Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marília, Brazil.

Neurological Research
|June 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience more sleep problems, which are linked to lower melatonin levels and behavioral difficulties. Sleep disturbances in ADHD are associated with melatonin and behavior issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with sleep disturbances.
  • The relationship between sleep problems, melatonin levels, and behavior in children with ADHD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and types of sleep problems in children with ADHD.
  • To examine the correlation between sleep issues, melatonin levels, and behavioral characteristics in ADHD.
  • To compare sleep patterns and melatonin content between children with ADHD and typically developing children.

Main Methods:

  • Sleep assessment using the Sleep Disorders Scale for Children (SDSC) and actigraphy in children aged 6-14.
  • Salivary melatonin levels quantified by ELISA.
  • Behavioral analysis using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Children with ADHD exhibited a higher frequency of sleep disturbances, longer sleep latency, and reduced sleep efficiency compared to typically developing peers.
  • The ADHD group showed lower nocturnal melatonin levels.
  • Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS) were moderately associated with nocturnal melatonin levels.
  • Behavioral difficulties correlated with various sleep disorder types and the total SDSC score, with behavior being the primary determinant of the total SDSC score.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to demonstrate an association between sleep-initiation and maintenance disorders and reduced melatonin levels in children with ADHD.
  • Sleep disturbances in ADHD are linked to behavioral problems, highlighting the complex interplay between sleep, melatonin, and behavior in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disordercircadian rhythmdevelopmentmelatoninpediatric insomnia

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