Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and sleep problems in preschool children: the role of autistic traits

Andrew Stickley; Aya Shirama; Shingo Kitamura; Yoko Kamio; Hidetoshi Takahashi; Aya Saito; Hideyuki Haraguchi; Hirokazu Kumazaki; Kazuo Mishima; Tomiki Sumiyoshi

doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2021.04.037

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and sleep problems in preschool children: the role of autistic traits

Sleep Med. 2021 Jul:83:214-221. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.04.037. Epub 2021 May 4.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan. Electronic address: amstick66@gmail.com.
² Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan.
³ Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan.
⁴ Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan; Institute of Education and Human Development, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan.
⁵ Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan; Kochi Medical School Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kochi University, 185-1 Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku-shi, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan.
⁶ Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan; Human Science Division, Faculty of Core Research, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan.

PMID: 34049039
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.04.037

Abstract

Background: Sleep problems are elevated in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, until now there has been comparatively little research on the role of autistic traits in this association. The current study examined the association between ADHD symptoms and sleep problems in Japanese preschool children and whether autistic traits might also be important for this relationship.

Methods: Data were analyzed from 1053 children (average age 64.14 months, range 58-71; 50.3% male) that were drawn from the Tama Children's Survey (TCS). Parent-reported information was obtained on ADHD symptoms using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and autistic traits with the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2). Parents also provided information on three different categories of sleep problems experienced by their children - parasomnias, sleep disordered breathing and awakening/daytime problems. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations.

Results: In analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors, the mother's mental health and child's emotional problems, compared to children with no ADHD symptoms or autistic traits, children with only ADHD symptoms had significantly increased odds for only one of 11 individual sleep problems - waking in a negative mood. In contrast, children with comorbid ADHD symptoms and autistic traits had elevated odds for five sleep problems with odds ratios ranging from 2.10 (takes time to become alert in the morning) to 3.46 (excessive body movement while sleeping).

Conclusions: Sleep problems may be especially elevated in children with comorbid ADHD symptoms and autistic traits.

Keywords: ADHD; Autism; Preschool; Sleep problems.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / complications
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
Autistic Disorder* / complications
Autistic Disorder* / epidemiology
Child, Preschool
Comorbidity
Female
Humans
Male
Parents
Sleep Wake Disorders* / epidemiology
Surveys and Questionnaires