Sleep disorders

Question

In young CF children (2-3 yrs old), is there more sleep disorders secondary to gastrointestinal troubles?

Answer

Hello,

There is very few data regarding sleep behaviors in CF children and even less in CF infants. In a recent Australian study, the authors described in CF preschool children (6 months to 5 years) the prevalence of child behavioral problems including sleep (Ward C et al., Arch Dis Child 2009). Primary caregivers completed a questionnaire with the item: ‘‘How much is your child’s sleeping pattern or habits a problem for you?’’. Compared to healthy children, children with CF were twice as likely to have sleep problems (45% to 61%), suggesting that CF could have a negative impact on sleep in preschool children.

Furthermore, to specifically answer your question regarding links between sleep disorders and gastrointestinal trouble in CF young children, there is little evidence; apart disrupted sleep secondary to diarrhea or increased gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux is common in children with CF and may be associated to sleep disturbances in a bidirectional way: sleep disorders may induce gastrointestinal disturbances, while gastrointestinal symptoms also may provoke or worsen sleep derangements. There are still relatively limited data on this issue especially in CF and/or in preschool children. However, a recent review has underlined the interplay between sleep disorders and gastroesophageal reflux (Jung HK et al., J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010).

I hope it answers your question. Best regards,

Harriet Corvol

13.01.2011