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. 2011 Aug;12(7):652-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2010.11.012. Epub 2011 May 26.

Aggressive behavior, bullying, snoring, and sleepiness in schoolchildren

Louise M O'Brien  1 , Neali H Lucas, Barbara T Felt, Timothy F Hoban, Deborah L Ruzicka, Ruth Jordan, Kenneth Guire, Ronald D Chervin
Affiliations

Aggressive behavior, bullying, snoring, and sleepiness in schoolchildren

Louise M O'Brien et al. Sleep Med. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

Background: To assess whether urban schoolchildren with aggressive behavior are more likely than peers to have symptoms suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of sleep and behavior in schoolchildren. Validated screening assessments for conduct problems (Connor's rating scale), bullying behavior, and sleep-disordered breathing (pediatric sleep questionnaire) were completed by parents. Teachers completed Connor's teacher rating scale.

Results: Among 341 subjects (51% female), 110 (32%) were rated by a parent or teacher as having a conduct problem (T-score ⩾65) and 78 (23%) had symptoms suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing. Children with conduct problems, bullying, or discipline referrals, in comparison to non-aggressive peers, more often had symptoms suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing (each p<0.05). Children with vs. without conduct problems were more likely to snore habitually (p<0.5). However, a sleepiness subscale alone, and not a snoring subscale, predicted conduct problems after accounting for age, gender, a measure of socioeconomic status, and stimulant use.

Conclusions: Urban schoolchildren with aggressive behaviors may have symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing with disproportionate frequency. Sleepiness may impair emotional regulation necessary to control aggression.

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Figures

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Association between SRBD score and severity of parent-identified bullying behaviors (mean ± 95% Confidence Intervals)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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