CQUniversity
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Sleep, performance and behaviour in Australian indigenous and non-indigenous children : an exploratory comparison

journal contribution
posted on 2017-12-06, 00:00 authored by Sarah BlundenSarah Blunden, R Chervin
Aims: Sleep problems in Australian children are common and consequential but have not been investigated in Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (indigenous) children. This study compares sleep in indigenous and non-indigenous children and investigates potential effects on school performance and daytime behaviour. Methods: Subjects included 25 indigenous and 25 non-indigenous children (mean standard deviation (SD) age = 8.8 (1.4 years), range 7–11.11 years), in six Northern Territory primary schools. Parents completed the Sleep Disorders Scale for Children which produces a T-score (mean = 50 (SD = 10)) for behavioural sleep disorders, sleep disordered breathing, parasomnias, excessive daytime sleepiness and night sweating. Behaviour and school grades were assessed with the parent-reported Child Behaviour Checklist. Results: Behavioural sleep problems of initiating and maintaining sleep, or parasomnias were commonly reported by both groups (24–40%), with indigenous children under 9 years reporting the most problems. No between-group differences were found in school performance. Significant relationships between sleep quality and behaviours were found, particularly for indigenous children. Conclusions: These data suggest that substantial numbers of Australian children – more than one third in this pilot sample – may suffer from significant sleep problems. To the extent that sleep problems may impair prefrontal cortical function, emotional regulation, and control of behaviour, confirmation of current findings could have particular import for indigenous children.

Funding

Category 1 - Australian Competitive Grants (this includes ARC, NHMRC)

History

Volume

46

Issue

1-2

Start Page

10

End Page

16

Number of Pages

7

ISSN

1034-4810

Location

United Kingdom

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Language

en-aus

Peer Reviewed

  • Yes

Open Access

  • No

Era Eligible

  • Yes

Journal

Journal of paediatrics and child health.