Sleep patterns and sleep problems among preschool and school-aged group children in a primary care setting in Iran

Objective: To describe sleep patterns and sleep problems,among preschool and school aged group, children in a primary care setting,in Iran. Material & Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in two primary care pediatric clinics in Tehran from March 2006 to September 2006. Findings: Sleep patterns of 215 children studied (101 were in preschool age group; 2-6 years old, and 114 were in primary school age group; 7-12 years old). Sleep problems were common in study group, as follows: bedtime problerns 21.05%-56.44%, excessive daytime sleepiness 26.73%-42.98%, awaken, in; during the night 13.86%-12.46%, regularity and duration of sleep 17.54%-27.72%, sleep-disordered breathing 10.53%-17.82%. Conclusion: These High frequencies of sleep problems in children explains the importance and burden of sleep disorders in children which unfortunately are not noticed by primary care providers in Iran and inadequate attention to them may have negative consequences on a host of functional domains, including mood, behavior, school performance, and health outcomes.