Sleep patterns, problems, and habits in a sample of Egyptian preschoolers

Objective: Sleep problems are common among preschoolers. We conducted this study to investigate sleep problems in a sample of Egyptian preschoolers attending pediatric outpatient clinics and examine the relationship between their sleep problems, patterns, and hygiene. Methods: The parents of 319 preschoolers, aged 2-5 years, completed the BEARS(which represent the five major sleep domains,i.e.,bedtime problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity and duration of sleep, and snoring) questionnaire in Arabic and a short survey on their educational status, significant medical problems and/or their child's medications , and sleeping habits. Results: The frequency of bedtime problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity of sleep, and snoring were 58.9%, 17.9%, 31%, 60.5%, and 20.4%, respectively. More than a third of the samples had poor sleep hygiene practices, ranging from 41.7% to 70.5%. Multivariate analyses revealed that age and body mass index (BMI) are predictors of bedtime problems. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that sleep problems and poor sleep hygiene are common among this sample of preschoolers. This study also suggests an association between age and BMI and sleep disturbances.