Sleep Habits and Disorders in School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Parental Questionnaires

Sleep is a crucial physiological process for cognitive, emotional, and physical development during childhood. Despite its importance, a significant percentage of school-aged children experience sleep disturbances, which can impact academic performance and overall well-being. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate sleep habits and disorders in children aged 6-13 years, identifying issues such as difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and parasomnias, as well as their correlations with daytime consequences. Methods: A structured questionnaire, based on the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), was administered to 100 parents of school-aged children. The sample included participants without diagnosed neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, or chronic illnesses interfering with sleep. The data were statistically analyzed to assess the frequency and severity of sleep disturbances and their correlations with daytime symptoms. Results: Although most children (44.1%) slept 8-9 h per night, 32.4% exhibited bedtime resistance, and 29.4% had difficulty falling asleep. Common sleep disturbances included occasional snoring (44.1%), bruxism (11.8%), morning fatigue (41.2%), and daytime sleepiness (15.2%). Additionally, 23.5% of the children experienced confusion upon waking. The analysis also revealed a correlation between sleep fragmentation and mood alterations or cognitive difficulties. Conclusions: The study confirms the high prevalence of sleep disorders in pediatric populations, emphasizing the need for routine screening during clinical check-ups. Educational interventions on sleep hygiene practices-such as reducing evening screen exposure-and school policies that align with pediatric circadian rhythms could mitigate negative effects. The lack of objective measures such as actigraphy and polysomnography is a limitation, highlighting the need for integrated approaches in future studies. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimizing sleep health and overall child development.