Does Assessing Sleep Inadequacy Across Its Continuum Inform Associations With Child and Family Health?

Abstract 

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of children experiencing a continuum of inadequate sleep and its associations with child, family, and environmental variables.

Method

A secondary analysis of weighted responses of 68,418 parents or caregivers of children aged 6 to 17 years participating in the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health was conducted. Inadequate sleep was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results

Approximately one third of parents reported their child's sleep inadequacy as mild (18.6%), moderate (6.8%), or severe (5.8%). Age (P < .001), fair/poor health status (P < .001), frequent depressive symptoms (P < .001), and high parental stress (P < .001) demonstrated a progressive relationship from adequate to severe inadequate sleep. Controlling for child, family, and environment variables, parents of children with inadequate sleep were more likely to report frequent child depressive symptoms, high parental stress, and violent family conflict style.

Discussion

Sleep inadequacy affects 15 million American children, 6 million at a moderate or severe level. Identification of inadequate sleep should prompt further assessment of its associated factors—depressive symptoms, parental stress, and family conflict—for targeted clinical intervention.

Key words: Sleep, child health, national estimates