The Efficiency of a Sleep Hygiene Intervention to Improve Sleep Problems in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Maternal Mental Health

Aim: Pediatric sleep problems can result in negative consequences for both mothers and children. Considering the relatively high prevalence of sleep disorders among children with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), this study was designed to investigate the impact of a sleep hygiene intervention to promote sleep problems in children with ADHD and maternal mental health. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 children aged 7-13 years with the diagnosis of ADHD and comorbid sleep disorders accompanied by their mothers. Children s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were completed by the children s mothers, and then the participants were allocated randomly into experimental and control groups. Mothers of the children in the experimental group received a sleep hygiene educational intervention, which was delivered through a training session and a booklet followed by two telephone calls and educational text messages. Participants in the control group received usual clinical care. The post-test was performed two months after intervention. Findings: 56 participants (experimental group: n=28, control group: n=28) completed the survey. Data analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significant reduction in mean scores of CSHQ (P=0.001) and stress subscale scores (F= 0.106, P= 0/015), after controlling pre-test. Besides, the mothers stress was correlated with the children s CSHQ overall scores (r= 0.52, P= 0.001). Conclusion: Implementing a sleep hygiene intervention in a sample of children with ADHD could result in improved children sleep problems and maternal well-being.