Sleep Quality In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Adhd And Sensory Modulation Difficulties

Introduction Sleep disorders have been reported in up to 85% of children with ADHD. 40%-60% of children with ADHD exhibit sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) in addition to the core symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD who exhibit sensory symptoms have been reported to experience more significant functional difficulties. Aims: We aimed to evaluate whether SMD affect sleep characteristics of children with ADHD. Method: 27 children with ADHD and SMD, 14 children with ADHD without SMD and 39 controls (ages 8-11) were recruited and assessed, using the Conner's Parent Rating Scaleu2013Revised: Short Form, the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and The Childrenu2019s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Results: A multivariable model revealed that children with ADHD and SMD had sleep scores that were lower than controls, whereas children with ADHD and no SMD were indistinguishable from controls. Use of stimulants, gender, motheru2019s education and age had no significant contribution. Conclusion: In this pilot study, we found that difficulties in modulation of sensory input may correlate with lower quality of sleep in children diagnosed with ADHD.