Associations of Sleep Problems with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Among Chinese Preschoolers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Background The aim of this study was to examine the associations of sleep problems with asthma and allergic rhinitis among Chinese preschoolers. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Guangzhou, China. Children aged 3-6 years were selected from 32 kindergartens in 7 regions. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and sleep problem were evaluated by a valid questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for asthma and allergic rhinitis according to short sleep duration, late bedtime and frequent nocturnal awaking. Results We included 4876 preschool children. Of these, 182 (3.7%) diagnosed as asthma, and 511 (10.5%) diagnosed as allergic rhinitis. Frequent nocturnal awakening was associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, adjusted OR were 1.49(95% CI: 1.05~2.13) and 1.59(95%CI: 1.27-1.99), respectively. Further subgroup analysis showed the association of frequent nocturnal awakening with asthma differed by gender. No significant associations of short duration and late bedtime with asthma/ and allergic rhinitis were identified. Conclusions Our data suggested that frequent nocturnal awakening was associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, and the association of frequent nocturnal awakening with asthma differed by gender. Further studies are warranted to address the causal relationship between nocturnal awaking and asthma and allergic rhinitis.