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Sleep disturbances in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comparative study with healthy

A Ring1, D Stein, Y Barak

  • 1Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat Yam, Israel.

Journal of Learning Disabilities
|November 14, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience more sleep disturbances, including insomnia, than their healthy siblings. Methylphenidate treatment did not correlate with sleep issues, suggesting a complex relationship between ADHD and sleep problems.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in children with ADHD, but the exact nature and prevalence require further investigation.
  • Understanding sleep patterns in ADHD is crucial for comprehensive patient care and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the sleep profiles of children diagnosed with ADHD and their healthy siblings.
  • To investigate the prevalence of specific sleep disturbances and disorders in children with ADHD.
  • To explore potential correlations between ADHD severity and sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 13 children with ADHD on methylphenidate and 16 healthy siblings were included.
  • Sleep disturbances were assessed using a structured sleep questionnaire.
  • ADHD symptom severity was evaluated with the Conners Parents Teachers Rating Scale.

Main Results:

  • Children with ADHD showed significantly higher rates of single or multiple sleep disturbances compared to healthy siblings.
  • Specific sleep disorders, including initial and middle insomnia, were more prevalent in the ADHD group.
  • No significant correlation was observed between the severity of ADHD symptoms and the presence of disturbed sleep.
  • Sleep duration and overall satisfaction with sleep were comparable between children with ADHD and their siblings.

Conclusions:

  • Children with ADHD exhibit a higher burden of sleep disturbances and specific sleep disorders, such as insomnia, irrespective of methylphenidate treatment.
  • The findings suggest a complex interplay between ADHD and sleep, independent of ADHD symptom severity.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the etiological relationship between ADHD and sleep disturbances.

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