Time in bed, sleep sufficiency and emotional and behavioral problems in a general population of 10-12 year old children

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between time in bed, sleep sufficiency and emotional and behavioral problems in a general population of children aged 10-12 years (N=5095). Methods: Emotional and behavioral problems were assessed using The Strength and Difficulties questionnaire, which was completed by children, parents and teachers. Data on time in bed, sleep sufficiency and potential confounders (gender, pubertal development, mother’s education and family economy) were parent reported. Results: Controlling for gender, pubertal development and socioeconomic status, childrens emotional and behavioral problems as rated by parents were related to insufficient sleep. Self-reported emotional symptoms and parent-reported conduct problems were associated with both shorter time in bed and insufficient sleep. Teacher-reported hyperactivity was associated with long time in bed. Conclusions: Children with self-reported emotional symptoms or parent-reported conduct problems seem to spend too little time in bed and to obtain insufficient sleep.