Duration of Sleep and ADHD Tendency Among Adolescents in China

Objective: This study investigates the association between duration of sleep and ADHD tendency among adolescents. Method: This population-based health survey uses a two-stage random cluster sampling design. Participants ages 13 to 17 are recruited from the total population of adolescents attending high school in one city of China. Duration of sleep is measured by self-reported time to bed and rise. ADHD tendency is assessed via a structured personal interview. Data are analyzed using linear regression modeling with adjustment for the effects of cluster sampling. Results: There is a highly significant and negative association between duration of sleep and ADHD tendency (t = -4.99, p < .001) with a regression coefficient of -0.73 after adjusting for the potential confounding factors. Conclusion: Duration of sleep is associated with ADHD tendency among adolescents. It would be prudent for clinicians to include the assessment of sleep problems, including lack of sleep, in evaluating potential ADHD patients for treatment programs. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 11(4) 437-444)