Publication:

Restless nights and restless minds: prevalence of sleep disorders in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background The prevalence of sleep disorders in India ranges from 40-50% whereas its prevalence in developed countries is 10-40%. Prevalence of sleep disturbances in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 25-55%. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders among children, with ADHD and without ADHD (neurotypicals).

Methods In a cross-sectional observational study, 40 children (mean age 10.9±0.8 years, 85% males) diagnosed as having ADHD by the diagnostic and statistical manual, fifth edition (DSM-5), and 40 neurotypicals (mean age 10.3±0.3 years, 80% males), were screened for sleep disorders by using the BEARS questionnaire.

Results Children with ADHD had a greater prevalence of sleep disorders as compared to controls, facing most issues with sleep onset.

Conclusions Sleep disorders have a cause-and-effect relationship with ADHD; hence it is imperative to screen for them while evaluating a child.