Relationship between sleep disorders and attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder in children

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between sleep disorders and attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.MethodsWe studied 100 Chinese children (70 boys and 30 girls; mean age, 8.77 ± 2.39 years). Parents completed the Children's Sleep Disturbance Scale (SDSC) and the Swanson Nolan and Pelham Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV) questionnaires. SNAP-IV and SDSC scores were compared in children with and without sleep disorders and ADHD.ResultsThere were significant differences in SDSC scores, Arousal Disorder (AD) scores, and Sleep Breathing Disorder (SBD) scores between children with and without ADHD (P < 0.05). The sleep disorder group had higher SNAP-IV scores than the non-sleep disorder group (P < 0.05). Children with sleep disorders showed higher ADHD symptom values (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiance) than children without sleep disorders (P < 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between SDSC scores and SNAP-IV scores (r = 0.486, P < 0.05). Using SNAP-IV scores as the dependent variable, multiple linear regression analysis was applied, and a statistically significant effect of AD and Sleep–Wake Transition Disorder (SWTD) scores on SNAP-IV scores was found (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (95% CI) of the SDSC score for predicting sleep disorders with ADHD was 0.714 (0.606, 0.821; P = 0.0005).ConclusionChildren with ADHD are prone to sleep disorders. The higher the ADHD symptom score, the more sleeping problems. Sleep disorders can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, and the ADHD symptom score correlates with sleep disorder severity. We can reduce the severity of attention-deficit–hyperactivity in children with ADHD by improving their sleep with behavioral sleep interventions.

Sleep Habits and Behavioral Problems in Preschool-aged Children with ADHD

“…Many studies have reported an association between sleep problems and increased severity of ADHD symptoms or behavioral problems in school-aged children with ADHD. 6,7 For specific sleep problems in preschool children with ADHD, only a study by Stickley (2021) 8 found that the prevalence of sleep problems in these children was as high as 83.6%. The most common sleep problems in these children included awakening at night (59.6%), nightmares (29.9%), and snoring (22.6%).…”

A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Sleep Disturbances in Children with ADHD and Matched Controls

“…Noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter pathways have been implicated in both ADHD and sleep disorders [ 6 ] and the nature of the relationship between them is considered bidirectional [ 7 ]. It has been noted that symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and irritability, may mimic daytime symptoms of primary sleep disorders, and sleep disorders may exacerbate ADHD symptoms [ 8 ]. Thus, there exists the possibility that sleep disorders are misdiagnosed as ADHD and vice versa [ 9 ].…”