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Do Irritability and Sensory Over-responsivity Mediate Sleep Problems in Preschool Anxiety Disorders? A Comprehensive
Esra Yurumez1, Merve Cikili-Uytun1, Gokce Yagmur Efendi2
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Irritability and sensory over-responsivity (SOR) mediate sleep problems in preschoolers with anxiety disorders. Addressing these issues is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychiatry
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are linked to sleep disturbances in young children.
- The specific roles of irritability and sensory over-responsivity (SOR) in this relationship are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if irritability and SOR mediate the connection between anxiety disorders and sleep problems in preschoolers.
- To clarify the underlying mechanisms linking anxiety and sleep issues in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Study included 45 preschoolers with anxiety disorders and 85 healthy controls.
- Diagnoses were confirmed using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment.
- Parent-reported behavioral and emotional symptoms, including sleep and irritability, were assessed via the Child Behavior Checklist.
Main Results:
- Children with anxiety disorders exhibited significantly higher irritability and SOR compared to controls.
- Sleep problems were more prevalent in the anxiety group.
- Irritability and SOR were found to significantly mediate the relationship between anxiety and sleep problems.
Conclusions:
- Irritability and sensory over-responsivity play significant mediating roles in the development of sleep problems in anxious preschoolers.
- Assessment and treatment strategies for young children with anxiety and sleep difficulties should address regulatory and sensory-emotional functioning.
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