Sleep Characteristics Among Children with a Parental History of Alcohol Use Disorder

The purpose of the review was to examine findings on sleep characteristics among children with a parental history of alcohol use disorder (CPHAUDs) in different age groups. We identified unanswered questions and discussed directions for future research. We also discussed the implications of these current findings on alcohol prevention and intervention programs.

Parental ratings and youth report of sleep difficulties have been longitudinally associated with the emergence of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among both CPHAUDsand non-CPHAUDs. There were inconsistent findings comparing sleep characteristics in these two groups. Studies that used self-report and parental ratings reported no or minimal differences while studies that used actigraphy and polysomnography found significant, albeit moderate but meaningful differences.

Current research shows that CPHAUDs and non-CPHAUDs are similar on most objective and subjective sleep measures. There are a few significant differences between the two groups that may have implications for the development of behavioral problems, substance use and other risk behaviors.