Sleep Disorders and Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objectives To determine sleep disorders and quality of life (QOL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to find the association between them. Methods This cross-sectional study included children (4-12 y) with CP (n = 117) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 117). Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to record sleep-related symptoms. Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) scale and sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) were used to evaluate sleep disorders. Cerebral palsy quality-of-life questionnaire for children (CPQOL-CHILD) was used to assess QOL. Results Sleep disorders by SRBD scale (score >= 0.33) were significantly more in CP (n = 7, 6%) than controls [(n = 0, 0%) (p value 0.014, OR 15.95)]. Using T score > 70 by SDSC scale, sleep disorders were seen in 7.7% (n = 9) CP children and 0% (n = 0) in controls (p value 0.04, OR 20.6). Using T score >= 51, 43.6% CP children and 17% controls had sleep disorders (p value 0.001, CI 2.1, 6.9). About 43.6% CP children had abnormal T score on at least one SDSC factor. Presence of epilepsy, motor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and type of CP significantly correlated with sleep disorders. The overall SRBD scores and SDSC T scores of CP children were negatively correlated with QOL (r = -0.489, p < 0.001 and r = -0.445, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Sleep disorders are more common in CP which adversely affect QOL. Routine screening and appropriate treatment are suggested.

Automated summary

Sleep disorders are common in children with cerebral palsy and have a negative impact on quality of life. Routine screening and appropriate treatment are recommended.