Sleep Problems in Children With Developmental Delays and Neurodevelopmental Comorbidities: A Retrospective...

Background Sleep disturbances are more common in children with developmental delay (DD) than in typically developing children. There is limited research on whether sleep impact is more pronounced in children with DD and comorbidities. Objective Our study compared sleep patterns and disturbances in children with DD and neurological or psychobehavioral comorbidities to those with isolated DD. Methodology We conducted a single-center retrospective study utilizing a parent-rated questionnaire on neurodevelopmental clinic attendees over six months. Subjects were categorized into three groups: (1) isolated DD; (2) DD with comorbid neurological conditions; and (3) DD with comorbid psychobehavioral conditions. Results A total of 529 subjects were included. The results revealed minimal differences in sleep schedules between the groups. More than half of the sample (276, 52.2%) had insufficient sleep hours, with no significant variation across groups. A substantial proportion of the sample took regular naps, with 340 (79.3%) on weekdays and 279 (69.9%) on weekends. Compared to the isolated DD group, the comorbid neurological group showed a higher sleep resistance score, while comorbid psychobehavioral conditions were associated with higher sleep resistance scores and lower sleep parasomnia scores. A lower portion of the comorbid neurological group had their parents satisfied with their sleep quality (16, 32.7%, vs. 121, 52.2%). A higher percentage of parents in the comorbid psychobehavioral group reported significant daily life impact due to their children's sleep problems (65, 28.0%, vs. 41, 17.1%). Conclusions The sleep schedule in all three groups closely resembled each other. All three groups exhibited a high prevalence of sleep-related problems. Regular screening for sleep problems is recommended, particularly for children with DD and neurological or psychobehavioral comorbidities.