Evaluation of Sleep Disorders in Allergic Diseases in Childhood

Abstract

Objective: Sleep is a vital component of human life that serves many critical roles in physical and mental health, and well-being. There were few studies on children, diagnosed with allergic diseases, especially preschool children. The aim of our study mas to evaluate sleep disorders in children with allergic diseases. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital Child Immunology and Allergy outpatient clinic between January 1 and March 20, 2024, patients included who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, asthma and/or atopic dermatitis.The ‘Sleep Disturbance Scale for children (SDSC) was applied to the parents by the researcher during the outpatient clinic visit. Results: In this study, 145 patients were involved. Five (3.4%) patients had clinically significant SDSC score. There was a statistically significant difference in the Children’s Sleep Disturbance Scale mean score between having and not having symptoms of allergic diseases. Patients diagnosed wheezy child tended to have higher mean score of SHY. Among patients having symptoms of allergic diseases, there was statistically significant difference in the SDSC mean score between having nose congestion, cough, and activity limitation and not having these symptoms. Patients using oral antihistaminic treatment tended to have higher total mean scores of SDSC. Conclusion: In this study, out of 145 patients, 5 (3.4%) patients had clinically significant SDSC score. Patients having symptom of allergic diseases tended to have higher total mean score of childrens’ sleep disturbance scale. Patients diagnosed wheezy child tended to have higher mean score of SHY. Patients having nose congestion, cough, and activity limitation tended to have higher total mean score of SDSC.