Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2022
Identifier
DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20210623-01
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine sleep patterns in a large and heterogeneous group of children with visual impairment.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of parents of children with visual impairment was offered via the National Federation of the Blind and the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation.
RESULTS: Complete survey results were available for 72 participants, aged 1 to 16 years. Parents of 52 (72%) children reported that their child had cycles of good sleep and bad sleep, and 50 (69%) reported that their child's sleep patterns caused significant stress for them or their family. Scores on the Childhood Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) increased (> 41) in 64 (89%) children, indicating a likely clinically significant sleep problem. When compared to normative data from children aged 4 to 10 years, children in the current sample scored higher (more sleep problems) on all eight subscales on the CSHQ. The presence of comorbid developmental delay was most strongly associated with sleep problems. Supplemental melatonin and improving daytime and nighttime schedules or routines were reported as the most helpful for sleep. Many families reported a need for further information regarding melatonin use as a supplement.
CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of children with visual impairment experience clinically meaningful sleep problems, regardless of degree of light perception or visual acuity. There is a strong need for increased awareness and screening for sleep problems in this population. Potential treatment modalities, including supplemental melatonin, should be discussed with families.
Journal Title
Journal of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus
Volume
59
Issue
2
First Page
77
Last Page
86
MeSH Keywords
Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Infant; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vision, Low
Keywords
Cross-Sectional Studies; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Low Vision
Recommended Citation
Ingram DG, Cruz JM, Stahl ED, Carr NM, Lind LJ, Keirns CC. Sleep Challenges and Interventions in Children With Visual Impairment. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(2):77-86. doi:10.3928/01913913-20210623-01
Comments
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0). This license allows users to copy and distribute, to remix, transform, and build upon the article non-commercially, provided the author is attributed and the new work is non-commercial.
Publisher's Link: https://doi.org/10.3928/01913913-20210623-01