Sleep disturbances in 50 children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the relationship between sleep disturbances (SD) and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to characterize clinical features and associated problems. METHOD: The medical records of 50 children and adolescents ranging in age from 4 to 17 years with ADHD without the diagnosis of mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorders were reviewed. RESULTS: Significant relationships were found between SD and drug therapy (p<0.01), co-morbidity (p<0.01) and greater adherence to treatment prescribed for ADHD disorders (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that SD are an important problem in children with ADHD and may be linked to increased symptoms.