The relationship between sleep and problem behaviors in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
摘要
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep disruption can contribute to difficulties in a child’s life and, therefore, can be an important determinant of their quality of life. This study uses data from the large multisite Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) database to examine the relationship between sleep and behavior in children with ADHD. We hypothesized that shorter and more interrupted sleep would relate to increased problem behaviors such as inattention and social difficulties. Sleep data was obtained using commercially available actigraphy (Fitbit) measures, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) for 212 children ages 10 to 13 years, with ADHD and an age and sex matched control group (n = 212). Behavioral and emotional subscores were obtained from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). SDSC sleep data was significantly different between ADHD and control groups, while wearable actigraphy data was not. ADHD diagnosis, family income, sleep latency (measured by wearable device), and 3 out of 6 of the SDSC subscores were significantly related to problem behavior scores measured by the CBCL.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that parent report of sleep difficulties, but not wearable actigraphy measures of sleep, were associated with behavior and emotional responses in children with ADHD. Parent report of sleep difficulties, direct measures of sleep parameters, as well as behavior and quality of life, should be considered when evaluating or investigating sleep in children to better understand the influence on health and functioning.