0265 Childhood Sleep Patterns Predict Maladaptive Responses to Hurricane Harvey in Adolescence

Abstract

Introduction Research in adults suggests that certain sleep characteristics prior to trauma exposure predicts maladaptive post-trauma outcomes. However, research has yet toconsider the influence of premorbid sleep in influencing child responses to trauma. Methods This study included 66 pre-pubertal children residing in Houston, TX several years before and during Hurricane Harvey. At time 1 (ages 7-11) children completed one week of actigraphy and one night of polysomnography. Approximately 3 years later, 6-9 months after the hurricane, youth reported on their hurricane exposure/stress (e.g., displacement, feelings of safety) and provided reports of their emotional reactions (valence and arousal) to a series of hurricane-related photos during an in-lab experimental task. Results Multiple regressions controlling for the time between assessments indicated less non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage 3 sleep was associated with greater stress during the hurricane (p = .01) and marginally greater negative valence in response to flood images (p = .098). Longer childhood sleep duration (p = .01) and sleep onset latency (SOL; p = .02) were both associated with greater exposure to hurricane-related stressors. An interaction with REM sleep (p = .005) suggested hurricane-related stress was associated with greater reactivity to images (higher negative valence ratings) but only for those with greater REM sleep (p = .004). A similar interaction emerged where greater exposure was associated with greater reactivity for those with high REM (p = .03). Similarly, exposure to hurricane-related stressors was associated with higher arousal, but only for those with higher pre-hurricane SOL (p = .03). Johnson-Neyman results suggest that this effect was significant for those with a SOL of approximately 40 minutes or longer. Conclusion Consistent with findings in adults, specific sleep characteristics in childhood appear to increase risk for maladaptive responses to trauma during the sensitive, transitional period of adolescence. These findings support the role of sleep as a possible prevention target for those at-risk for experiencing trauma. Support (If Any) National Science Foundation 1813574 (PI: Palmer); National Institutes of Health K23MH081188 (PI: Alfano); and National Institutes of Health R21MH099351 (PI: Alfano)