Chronotype and sleep disorders in children with epilepsy

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe circadian rhythm can affect the frequency and resistance of epileptic seizures. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined the impact of chronobiology and sleep disturbances on children with epilepsy.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐five children and adolescents (55 patients and 70 controls) were included in the study. All participants were asked to complete the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale—Child Version (RCADS‐CV), Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC), Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ).ResultsAccording to the CCQ results, controls had longer sleep duration (median 595 vs. 570), lower morningness–eveningness scores (median: 28 vs. 30), and higher rates of the morningness (12.9% vs. 1.8%) and intermediate (74.3% vs. 60%) chronotypes. The children and adolescents with epilepsy scored significantly higher in the Sleep breathing disorders (p = .001), Disorders of arousal nightmares (p = .044), Sleep–wake transition disorders (p = .037), Disorders of excessive somnolence (p = .001), and total SDCS (p = .046) scores. According to the RCADS‐CV results, the children with epilepsy scored significantly higher in all subscales in comparison to controls (p < .05).SignificanceChildren and adolescents with epilepsy had shorter sleep duration were more likely to be evening‐oriented and had more significant sleep disturbance symptoms compared to controls.