Epidemiology of sleep disturbances in children and adolescents M Maldonado

Sleep disturbances They occur frequently in children and adolescents A conservative figure may be 15 % of all children in an open population Or up to 25% (Heussler et al, Stores, 1998) More frequent in children with other difficulties, e.g. developmental disorders, attention deficit, regulatory disturbances.

Prevalence of some sleep disorders Surveys with the open population House to house surveys in a sample population Interview or questionnaires Parental report and child’s report

Prevalence Highest prevalence may be at 2 years of age (Zuckerman et al, 1987) 15% of children may have some parasomnia (Anders et al, 1997)

Study in Switzerland (Jenni et al, 2005) Longitudinal study, 493 children Interviews first two years of life and annually till age 18 Co sleeping at first rare, 10% of parents Cosleeping increased with age 4 (38%) and 44% between ages of 2 and 7

Study in Switzerland (Jenni et al, 2005) Night waking was frequent, peak at age 3 (22% woke up every night age 3) Less than 10% had sleep resistance at bedtime Bedsharing and night waking tended to persist over time

Study in Switzerland (Jenni et al, 2005) Explanations Attachment needs of infants Greater locomotion at preschool age Also increased cognition and night time fears Bed resistance seemed transient