Decreased sleep in children and their behavioral problems in dental operatory

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the contribution of inadequate sleep and its associated factors, on behavior and cooperation of children in the dental operatory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 healthy children at the time of their initial visit to the dental hospital, ranging from preschoolers to adolescents. Data acquisition was done by a questionnaire. Interview with the accompanying person was done to ask about the sleep duration, naps, and sleep habits of the child. Children's behavior during their preliminary examination was studied and categorized according to Frankl's behavior rating scale. Data were analyzed by linear regression analysis and Spearman's correlation with the aid of SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Total duration of sleep accounted for a small but significant contribution in behavioral problems of children. Significant correlation was found between duration of sleep and cooperative behavior in dental operatory (R = 0.478). However, the duration of sleep was negatively correlated to the number of siblings and socioeconomic status of the family. Conclusion: Children who had shorter total sleep duration had increased behavioral problems in dental operatory.

Keywords

• Externalizing behavior
• neurobehavioral functioning
• night waking
• sleep duration