Study of Sleep Parameters on Respiratory Health and School Performance in Urban Children

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of children, affecting their physical, psychological, and cognitive development. However, research has shown that sleep problems in children are increasingly prevalent, impacting their health and quality of life.

Objective: To study the impact of sleep parameters on respiratory illnesses and school performance among children of age group 3 to 15 years.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire, in which 300 parents were asked about their children’s sleeping behaviours, as well as about the details of respiratory illness and school functioning. The children's growth parameters were also recorded.

Results: 97% of children with early bedtimes (before 10 PM) were found to be more attentive in the class and 83.7% of them had a lower risk of respiratory illness than 82.2% and 52% children with of late bedtimes consecutively (P<0.004). 93.9% of children with night sleep duration of >8 hours, were more attentive and 69.5% of them had a lesser frequency of respiratory illnesses than 78.7% and 53.7% of those with night sleep of <8 hours (P<0.001). The most frequent cause of abnormal sleep behaviour was late-night screen use (25.7%), leading to overweight/obesity in the study population.

Conclusion: Children with late bedtime, <8 hours of night sleep, sleep latency >30 minutes, and waking up difficulties had a higher risk of respiratory illnesses and poor school performance. Educating parents and teachers in early identification and correction of children with sleep disorders is very vital.