Increased behavioral problems in children with sleep-disordered breathing

Abstract

Background Healthy sleep is essential for the cognitive, behavioral and emotional development of children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the behavioral consequences of sleep disturbances by examining children with sleep-disordered breathing compared with control participants. Methods Seventy-eight children with SDB (average age: 6.7 years (SD = 1.83); 61 had OSA and 17 had primary snoring) and 156 control subjects (average age: 6.57 years (SD = 1.46) participated in the study. We matched the groups in age (t(232) = 0.578, p = 0.564) and gender (χ2(1) = 2.192, p = 0.139). In the SDB group, the average Apnea–Hypopnea Index was 3.44 event/h (SD = 4.00), the average desaturation level was 87.37% (SD = 6.91). Parent-report rating scales were used to measure the children’s daytime behavior including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Child Behavior Checklist. Results Our results showed that children with SDB exhibited a higher level of inattentiveness and hyperactive behavior. Furthermore, the SDB group demonstrated more internalizing (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, social problems) (p < 0.001) and externalizing (aggressive and rule-breaking behavior) problems compared with children without SDB, irrespective of severity. Conclusions Based on our findings we supposed that snoring and mild OSA had a risk for developing behavioral and emotional dysfunctions as much as moderate-severe OSA. Therefore, clinical research and practice need to focus more on the accurate assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances in childhood, particularly primary snoring, and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in an Infant With Achondroplasia and Foramen Magnum Stenosis

“…If left untreated, OSA can contribute to neurocognitive dysfunction in children in a dose-dependent manner, negatively impacting domains such as attention and memory [ 9 ]. A study by Csábi et al found that children with SDB had significantly higher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scale ratings compared to age- and gender-matched controls, noting that even mild degrees of SDB are associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties in children [ 10 ]. Pediatric OSA also increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular and metabolic effects.…”

Relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive impairment in children with sleep-disordered breathing

“…Over the past several decades, numerous studies have shown that children who suffer from SDB are at great risk for behavioral disorders, which may manifest in a variety of ways. The most commonly observed disorders are hyperactivity disorder, attention disorder, and somatic complaints ( 17 , 24 ). According to the results of CPRS among the three groups, the OSA children were found to have behavioral disorders, mainly learning problems and hyperactivity, whereas the PS children did not show any obvious behavioral disorders when compared with the control group.…”

Mental Health and Cognitive Development in Symptomatic Children and Adolescents Scoring High on Habitual Snoring: Role of Obesity and Allergy

“…Various studies have examined neuropsychological and behavioral functioning in children with SDB [48][49][50] or snoring [47,51], through questionnaire-based designs [52] or before and after adenotonsillectomy [53]. Our retrospective cohort study addressed some additional key points in the current literature.…”