The prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances experienced by children with CP aged 3-18y in Northern Ireland

Objectives: To describe sleep disturbances experienced by children with cerebral palsy (CP) and understand the impact of these on parents/caregivers and siblings.
Methods: Caregivers of 112 children with CP, aged 3-18 years, resident in Northern Ireland (NI), completed an online survey that included the validated Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and questions relating to their child’s CP and family sleep. Sample characteristics were compared with the NI CP register.
Results: The sample was 63% (71/112) male; 62% (69/112) had spastic CP and 37% (42/112) were classified as GMFCS IV-V. Sample characteristics were similar to children known to the NI CP register, except by age. Clinical sleep disturbance (SDSC score >70, (Bruni et al, 1996)) was reported for 73% (82/111 valid responses), with 80% (89/111) experiencing disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep. Most caregivers slept less than 7 hours per night (70%; 78/111) and 52% (58/111) provided night-time support to their child with CP. Sibling sleep disturbance was reported by 46% (52/112) of caregivers, with 6% (7/112) of siblings involved in night-time support.
Conclusions: The very high prevalence of sleep disorders in this sample is concerning. Further investigation and establishment of dedicated support services are recommended.