ABSTRACT
Context: Recently biomarkers for sleep disorders have provided an alternative and convenient means of diagnosis for children at risk. Aim: To evaluate salivary TNF?? and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in children with skeletal class II malocclusion and with a positive history of sleep disorders. Settings and Design: This prospective evaluative study was carried out from October 2020 to March 2021, in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Material and Methods: 21 children aged 8?12 years with skeletal class II malocclusion and at least one sleep disorder participated in the study (Group 1). 21 age and gender matched children with no skeletal malocclusion and no reported history of sleep disorders served as a comparison group (Group 2). All children were evaluated regarding their sleep history and clinically examined to determine craniofacial morphology. Unstimulated saliva was collected from all children. Salivary TNF?? was measured with a solid?phase sandwich ELISA. Salivary MDA was measured by using TBA reagent. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparison for age and normally distributed data was done using t?test. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables was done using Chi?square test. Inter group comparison for TNF?? was done using Mann–Whitney U test. Results: There were significantly higher levels of salivary TNF?? and MDA, in children of Group 1 when compared to that of Group 2 children (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Salivary TNF?? and MDA may be a simple and non?invasive tool in the identification and screening of children at high risk for sleep disorders.
ABSTRACT
Background: Disturbances in sleep could affect normal growth as well as behavior of children. It could also impair their cognitive development. Sleep problems have been increasing over the past few years. However, there is a gap regarding information about sleep practices and sleep problems among Indian children. Aim: A sleep questionnaire was designed and validated to assess the frequency of sleep practices and sleep problems in 500 children. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 5 local schools in South Kanara district by administering the questionnaire to the parents/caretakers under the guidance of a trained investigator. We also sought to examine the association of demographics, medical/behavior/academic performance, sleep patterns, and home environment to sleep problems in these children. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were recorded as mean and standard deviation for quantitative data and in frequency and percentage for qualitative data. Results: We found a high prevalence of bedroom sharing (92.4%) and bed-sharing (91.2%). 46.4% of the children exhibited at least one sleep problem, the most prevalent being bed-wetting (17%). Sleep problems were considerably greater in older children and in children with behavioral problems. Practices such as watching TV and using computer after 8 pm/at bedtime were significantly associated with all sleep problems. Conclusion: Our study revealed definite and significant presence of sleep problems in the children of South Kanara. Strong associations were observed between certain sleep practices and problems.