ASSESSMENT OF SLEEP DISTURBANCE RISK IN CHILDREN WITH PARALYTIC SYNDROMES BASED ON PARENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/24116-4944.2026.1.16384Keywords:
questionnaire, sleep disturbances, children, paralytic syndromesAbstract
The aim of the study – to assess potential risk factors for sleep disorders in children with paralytic syndromes based on a parental questionnaire.
Materials and Methods. The study involved 40 children with paralytic syndromes and gross motor function impairment at levels III–V, and 40 practically healthy children. A parental survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising 7 domains and 98 items aimed at identifying risk factors for sleep disorders. The questionnaire included data on perinatal history, somatic status, upper airway function, orofacial functions, dental status, oral hygiene, and family history.
Results and Discussion. Children with paralytic syndromes significantly more often exhibited sleep disturbances (parasomnias, sleep fragmentation, snoring) and daytime behavioral manifestations. Involuntary urination occurred 60 times more frequently, nighttime awakenings 39 times more often, and difficulties with sleep onset in the dark were observed 17 times more frequently compared to healthy children. In addition, children in the main group demonstrated risk factors for sleep disorders: chewing difficulties were observed 65 times more often, excessive salivation or drooling 59 times more frequently, and increased tension of the lip and chin muscles during swallowing 36 times more often. The use of a questionnaire with in-depth assessment of potential risk factors for breathing and sleep disorders allowed for a more detailed identification of clinically relevant symptoms that should not be overlooked during pediatric examinations of these children.
Conclusions. The original questionnaire developed in this study enabled the identification of risk factors for sleep disorders in children, taking into account not only symptoms but also clinical, respiratory, and behavioral factors. Its structure facilitates the detection of both manifestations of sleep disorders and contributing factors to their development. The obtained data support the feasibility of a multidisciplinary approach for early identification of children at increased risk of sleep disorders, determination of indications for further examination, and development of individualized treatment plans.
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