Relationship of Children's Daytime Behavior Problems With Bedtime Routines/Practices: A Family Context and the Consideration of Faux-ADHD

The study examined the relationship between childhood daytime behavior problems and bedtime routines and practices. Participants were 704 parents of children ages 2-13 who completed a questionnaire in 14 pediatric offices in Providence, Rhode Island. Of particular interest was the highly significant relationship (p-value < 0.0001) between children who bed share or lack regular bedtimes and whose parents are told they should take medicine for behavior or learning problems; and between children who bed share and have physically aggressive behavior toward a parent. Recommendations were made regarding integration of the results in the context of family treatment as well as the consideration of a faux-ADHD.