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Childhood sleep behaviors and polycystic ovary syndrome risk in adolescence: the Raine study cohort longitudinal

Nur K Abdul Jafar1, Joanne A McVeigh2, Peter R Eastwood3

  • 1Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|February 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Childhood sleep problems may predict later Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) risk. Early identification of sleep disturbances can aid in PCOS intervention and management.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are frequently observed in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Prospective research investigating the link between childhood sleep issues and subsequent PCOS risk is limited.
  • Identifying early behavioral markers for PCOS is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if poor sleep behaviors during childhood and adolescence prospectively correlate with a PCOS diagnosis by age 14.
  • To explore the association between early-life sleep patterns and the development of PCOS.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of sleep behavior data from the longitudinal Raine Study cohort (n=226).
  • Sleep behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 5, 8, 10, and 14 years.
  • PCOS diagnosis at age 14 was based on hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction criteria; generalized estimating equations and logistic regression were employed.

Main Results:

  • Girls diagnosed with PCOS at age 14 exhibited higher sleep behavior problem scores from childhood onward.
  • Significant associations were found between PCOS at age 14 and 'trouble sleeping' (OR=2.95) and 'sleeping less than most kids' (OR=2.48) at age 10.
  • Sleep behavior differences became more pronounced over time in girls with PCOS.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep difficulties in childhood and adolescence may act as early, modifiable behavioral markers for PCOS risk.
  • Poor sleep could exacerbate hormonal and metabolic issues, including insulin resistance and obesity.
  • Addressing sleep disturbances may be a key strategy in managing PCOS.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescencechildhoodlongitudinal studypolycystic ovary syndromesleep behavior

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