Examining Sleep-Related Problems in Youth With Misophonia

The relationship between misophonia and sleep-related problems (SRPs) in youth is underexplored. This paucity of research is concerning because SRPs might be elevated among youth with misophonia. If left untreated, SRPs can contribute to long-term health consequences. Thus, in this study we examined the link between misophonia and SRPs in youth aged 8 to 17. In this study, we compared SRPs in 102 children and adolescents with clinically significant misophonia to SRPs in a normative youth sample and a sample of 94 youth with anxiety disorders. We also examined the extent to which SRPs were associated with misophonia severity. Approximately 30% of youth with misophonia endorsed clinical levels of SRPs. SRPs were more prevalent in youth with misophonia compared to normative data from the general youth population (d = 1.22) and similar to SRPs in youth with anxiety disorders (d = 0.13). Youth with more severe misophonia symptoms had greater difficulties with SRPs and this association was attenuated but still significant when adjusting for gender, age, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In this study, we provided the first evidence of substantial issues with SRPs in youth with misophonia. Importantly, there was a moderate association between misophonia severity and SRPs, indicating that SRPs should be carefully assessed and potentially addressed in treatment for youth with misophonia. We discussed suggestions for clinical practice and future research.