77 Sleep Behaviours and Disturbances Characterizing Adolescents with ADHD Symptoms

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are commonly reported in adolescents with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Little data currently exists identifying the sleep behaviours or the symptoms of sleep disorders among adolescents with ADHD. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to characterize sleep behaviours and disturbances of adolescents with ADHD symptoms. We hypothesized that adolescents with high levels of ADHD symptoms would present more symptoms of primary sleep disorders and poorer sleep hygiene as compared to typically developing adolescents. DESIGN/METHODS: 82 adolescents (53 females and 29 males) aged between 13 and 18 years old (M=14.61 SD=1.27) participated in the study. ADHD symptoms were characterized by the ADHD subscale of the Youth Self Report, a widely used child-report measure that assesses problem behaviour. In addition, they completed the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale and their parents completed the Sleep Disorders Inventory for Students. RESULT(S): Participants were divided into two groups based on their scores on the ADHD scale, with students above or below 60 representing the high and low symptom groups, respectively. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed that students in the high levels of symptoms group had significantly higher levels of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and delayed sleep phase syndrome, as well as a poorer overall sleep hygiene as compared to typically developing adolescents. CONCLUSION(S): Pediatricians and other health care providers should screen adolescents with ADHD for possible sleep disorders and advise them regarding healthy sleep practices.