Examination of Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Problems in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This research aimed to investigate the sleep disorders and sleep problems of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was descriptive and cross-sectional. This research was conducted with 105 parents of children with T1D who were admitted to a training and research hospital between June and August 2022. In the collection of the research data, the "Introductory Information Form" and the "Sleep Disorder Scale for Children (SDSC)" were used. RESULTS: As a result of our research, the average total score of SDSC was found to be 47.60 +/- 12.740. According to this result, the level of sleep disorders of the children participating in this study was below the average score. Significant differences were found in the sub-dimensions of CONCLUSION: The parents participating in this study evaluated their children's sleep disorder levels as being below the average score. Since the sleep disorders of children with T1D are affected by familial characteristics and factors related to the disease, it is recommended to conduct further studies in order to identify sleep disorders and influencing factors so as to improve these conditions, and also to provide educational and counselling services to parents on these issues.