Sleep Problems in School Aged Children: A Common Process across Internalising and Externalising Behaviours?

Sleep problems are common in childhood and impact cognitive, psychological and physical wellbeing. The current study investigated the association between sleep problems and internalising and externalising behaviour in 114 school-aged children (5–12 years) from four primary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Data were collected using the Sleep Disorder Inventory for Students to measure sleep and the Conners Behavior Rating Scale to assess behaviour, both by parent report. Hierarchical regression analysis, controlling for socioeconomic status and age, identified moderate associations between sleep problems and emotional distress, aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Findings suggest screening for sleep problems in children presenting clinically with behavioural issues is a potentially important clinical practice. Additionally, results support the elaboration of transdiagnostic theory, whereby sleep problems are a common process in both internalising and externalising behaviour in children.