Assessment of Sleep Habit and Oral Habits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIMS AND

BACKGROUND

A healthy metabolic, cognitive, and physical wellness requires sleep. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are prone to sleep disturbances, which exacerbates the behavioral and cognitive issues. Likewise, the sleep problems co-occur with oral habits. This study aims to assess and compare the sleep habit and oral habits of children with ASD and ADHD with those of neurotypical children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 96 children between the ages 4 and 10 were included. They were divided into two group: the case group, which included children with ASD and ADHD, and the control group, which included neurotypical children. Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire- Abbreviated (CSHQ-A) was administered to parents to evaluate bedtime routine, sleep behavior, and morning habits. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), and presence of oral habits were also recorded. A CSHQ-A total score greater than 41 was regarded as abnormal and suggestive of sleep problem. Statistical analysis includes unpaired t-test for continuous variables, Chi-square test for categorical data, and Pearson correlation was employed to correlate CSHQ-A total score and BMI.

RESULTS

The CSHQ-A total score was significantly higher in cases (71.41 ± 9.3) than the controls (43.1 ± 16.9, p < 0.001). The mean difference in the CSHQ-A total score was 28.31 with a large effect size and 95% confidence interval. Children with ASD and ADHD were dependent on parents to fall asleep, needed special objects, and experienced frequent night awakenings. A higher CSHQ-A total score was related to oral habits particularly, bruxism. There was a negative correlation found between the CSHQ-A total score and BMI (r = -0.30, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Children with ASD and ADHD showed significant sleep disturbance than children in control group. This study highlights the relationship between the impact of sleep disturbance and the problems associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings emphasize the importance of assessment of sleep habit along with routine oral examination into the pediatric dental practice.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the clinical importance of integrating sleep assessment into pediatric dentistry, especially for children with health needs. Early detection and intervention will help in cognitive development and promotes the overall health.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Shan S, Vivek K, Haridoss S, et al. Assessment of Sleep Habit and Oral Habits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(11):1327-1332.