Sleep Disorders and Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Quality of life; Questionnaire; Sleep disorders.