Sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy: neurodevelopmental and behavioral correlates

• We reported the frequency of sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
• We used the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), and correlated with motor, cognitive, and behavior.
• An abnormal total sleep score on SDSC was found in 19% of CP patients.
• SDSC scores were associated with mental retardation, epilepsy, and behavioral and motor impairment.

ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the frequency of sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and to evaluate the relations between sleep disorders and motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-five children with CP ages 6–16 years (mean age, 11 years) were assessed using the SDSC, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) to assess sleep, motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems, respectively.ResultsAn abnormal total sleep score was found in 19% of children with CP; more than 40% of children had an abnormal score on at least one SDSC factor. The SDSC total score was significantly associated (P < .01) with mental retardation, epilepsy, CBCL scores, and level 5 on the GMFCS.ConclusionsOur results confirm that sleep disorders are common in children with cerebral palsy. The relationship between motor and cognitive behavior and epilepsy should be further explored to better understand how these factors influence one another to identify effective treatments and to improve the well-being of the child.